Category: English

When Liam and I broke up, it was incredibly ugly. He pinched my fake pregnancy report and pressed his cigarette butt against my chest. “Lying to me… how dare you?” Because of that sentence, I lost my decent job and was disfigured. Everyone said I had been his kept canary for five years, and ending up like this was exactly what I deserved. The day I left the city, he got engaged to a wealthy heiress who matched his social standing. I clutched my pregnant belly and scurried out of his world completely, like a rat in a gutter. The next time we met was four years later. He pointed at the little toddler in my arms, his eyes certain. “This is my child, isn’t it?” 1 The next time I saw Liam was late at night in the hospital. I was holding my daughter, Mia, in my arms. She was already used to IV drips and injections, remaining perfectly quiet the whole time. When she saw Liam, she was also quiet, just tugging in confusion at me as I dozed. I opened my eyes and abruptly met the man’s cold, alluring gaze. Past events came flooding back, and my heart skipped a beat. I stood up stiffly, ready to run, only realizing belatedly that my daughter was still on an IV. As soon as my hand touched the IV bottle, it was forcefully pinned down by Liam. “Long time no see, Chloe.” “This is your daughter?” Just a few light words, yet my calves began to tremble uncontrollably. My daughter tilted her head and asked who he was. He hooked a cold smile, emphasizing each word. “An old acquaintance of your mother’s.” More than just an old acquaintance. Five years of time, one hundred and eighty days and nights of desperate entanglement. Unfortunately, these numbers, heavy to me, were nothing but garbage to be casually tossed aside by the aloof Liam. I buried my head, my face turning pale. In the silence, Liam’s friend walked over. At first, he didn’t see clearly, pointing at my daughter and joking. “Liam, what luck. You go on a business trip, get a stomach bug, and your wife and daughter travel all this way to comfort you!” Not long after I left the city back then, I saw the news of Serena’s pregnancy online. I didn’t expect she also had a daughter. Taking two steps closer, the man saw my face clearly and cursed under his breath. “Holy shit, you’re Chloe, right? You’re still alive?” The surprised, sarcastic words stabbed a knife into my finally healed heart. I subconsciously covered my daughter’s ears to prevent her from hearing anything uglier. “Back then, you got a fake pregnancy certificate and angered Grandpa to death. How do you still have the nerve to appear in front of Liam?” “Are you out of money? Make sense. A woman like you who earns money lying down can only rely on men when you want money, right?” “This scrawny little girl is your daughter? You’re not trying to say this is Liam’s daughter, are you?!” I, already numb, looked up in astonishment upon hearing the last sentence. “No, she has nothing to do with Mr. Vance!” The distant address made the two men pause. A moment later, Liam pushed his friend aside and approached me, his aura as oppressive as ever. “How old is the child?” “Three!” I blurted it out almost instantly. He took another step closer. “Give me your ID, let me see.” I took a step back, forcing a slight smile. “I left my ID at home, forgot it.” Just as he was about to speak, I interrupted. “It’s getting late. Mr. Vance should go home early, lest Mrs. Vance worries.” Mentioning Serena made him unusually thoughtful. A bitter smile slid across my heart. Four years ago, humbled to the dirt, I questioned Liam why he didn’t believe me, why he had to marry Serena. He grabbed my neck, his eyes disgusted and cold. “She’s not like you. She’s clean and doesn’t lie.” “And, I love her.” I had been with him for five years, and he had never said the word ‘love’ to me. So much so that I thought someone as noble as Liam couldn’t possibly love anyone. Until he said he loved Serena and wanted to give her a home. I always thought that love wouldn’t last long, but looking at it now, I was too naive. Taking advantage of his distraction, I decisively took down the IV bottle, picked up my daughter, and ran without looking back. The man behind me vaguely said something. I didn’t hear it clearly, and I didn’t care. 2 It wasn’t until I ran out of the hospital that I stopped, my heart pounding wildly. My daughter touched my desolate face, asking in confusion. “Mommy, why did you lie to that uncle?” I kissed her round, tender little face. “Mommy did it to protect you.” To stop you from being taken away. But the current Liam has a wife and daughter; how could he possibly come to snatch my daughter? Despite this, I still took Mia to a small clinic to see a doctor. By the time we got home, it was already 2 AM. I couldn’t sleep, so I clicked on Serena’s social media updates. She flaunted her wealthy life every day, as well as her precious daughter. The comment section was full of praise for her gentleness and beauty. It’s hard to imagine that it was such a woman who personally slashed my face with a knife. Even now, no matter how hot the weather is, I don’t dare lift my heavy bangs to reveal the ugly scar on my forehead. I only asked for a half-day off for Mia. In the afternoon, I rode my electric scooter to take her to kindergarten. On the way home, a luxury car swaggered into my path, blocking my way. The window rolled down, and a beautiful woman poked her head out. “Chloe!” I froze in place, meeting Evelyn’s gaze. She looked younger than she did back then. If we walked together, people would probably mistake us for sisters. I abandoned the electric scooter and walked away quickly. she opened the car door and chased after me relentlessly in her sheepskin high heels. “Chloe! Won’t you look back at your mother?” Perhaps running too fast, her voice carried a hint of a sob. I didn’t understand why she was chasing me. Back then, she personally abandoned me for wealth and glory. It was also her who said in front of everyone that I was not her daughter. It was even her who, to get the approval of her stepdaughter Serena, personally forged my pregnancy. At that time, her bright red nails poked red marks one after another on my face. “You being able to live till now is all thanks to my blessing. What right do you have to accuse me? If I knew you would block my path to wealth when you grew up, I would have strangled you at birth!” As I was reminiscing, the driver slammed on the brakes at Evelyn’s signal, blocking my path. I was startled and fell to the ground. Evelyn reached out to help me. “Chloe, Mom just wanted to come and see you.” I abruptly shook off her hand, revealing a mocking smile. “See me for what? To see if I’m dead? Or to see if I’m still trying to steal Serena’s man?” “Rest assured, Mrs. Vance. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t disturb the married life of Liam and Serena. I’ll stay far away from them, and your wealthy life!” Evelyn seemed hurt by my words, her eyes slightly red. “Chloe, Mom didn’t mean that.” Her gaze fell on my custom-made phone case, a photo of my daughter and me. She abruptly changed the subject. “That child back then…” Hearing this, my confidence vanished without a trace, and I said in a panic. “What child? Wasn’t that child personally killed by you?” I desperately hid the phone case behind my back. The cold temperature of the ground reminded me again of four years ago, the operating table in the private clinic. Evelyn’s vicious gaze fell on my stomach. “This child must be removed! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning. I will absolutely not allow you to give birth to this bastard and threaten Serena’s marriage!” To teach me a lesson, she didn’t let anyone give me anesthesia. The operating room was filled with my heart-wrenching cries. In the end, it was the operating doctor who couldn’t bear it and helped me escape. Now, Mia is my everything. I don’t want to experience the pain of almost losing her again, so I desperately tried to prove it. “That child is really dead! If you don’t believe me, ask the doctor. You saw that lump of bloody flesh with your own eyes, didn’t you?” “I really don’t love Liam anymore, and I won’t go back to seduce him!” To make her believe me, I lifted the hem of my shirt, recklessly revealing the four-inch incision on my stomach, my tone urgent. “Look, the incision is still there. The child died long ago. If you don’t believe it, you can touch it, it’s real!” I grabbed her hand to touch the incision. The next second, she suddenly hugged me. “Chloe, don’t be like this…” I was stunned for a moment, then struggled wildly, and she fell to the ground. I ran around the car, fleeing frantically. After running just a few steps, I fell hard onto the ground. Ignoring the burning pain on my knees, I got up and continued running. Back home, I decisively packed my important documents and money. Meeting Liam last night, meeting Evelyn today. All this could absolutely not be a coincidence! I submitted my resignation to the company I had worked at for two years and called the landlord to end the lease. After buying a bus ticket, it was almost time for school to let out. I rode my electric scooter to pick up Mia and handle her withdrawal from school at the same time. Thinking that I would take her away from here and never come back. However, when I arrived at the school gate, Mia’s teacher looked surprised. “Wasn’t Mia picked up by her dad? Sorry, Mia’s mom, I thought the child looked quite like that man…” 3 After four years, I pulled Liam out of the blacklist. As soon as the call connected, the man chuckled. “I thought you’d really bear to never contact me again for the rest of your life.” I stood in the cold wind, gripping my phone tightly. “Where is the child?” As my voice fell, my daughter’s innocent laughter came through. Liam’s voice was like a snake’s tongue. “Chloe, is the child mine or not?” I still didn’t have any hesitation. “No. Liam, give the child back to me.” He scoffed. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t admit it, I can do a paternity test. You still remember the consequences of lying to me.” The cigarette burn he left on my chest back then hasn’t faded to this day. Whenever my chest feels uncomfortable, it’s as if that cigarette burn is acting up, mocking me for loving a man I shouldn’t have. Thinking of this, I squatted on the ground uncomfortably, holding my swollen eye sockets. Liam decisively hung up the phone. I rested for a moment, got up, and rushed to the city. After four years, I set foot in the Vance mansion again, memories churning in my mind. I remembered when I first moved in, shaking Liam’s hand and asking him what if someone kicked me out of here? His smile was shallow, unquestionable. “You are my woman, who dares to touch you?” Later, it was also him who ordered people to strip all the clothes he bought off my body and threw me out of the mansion. It was snowing heavily. I walked in the snow, turning purple all over, tears freezing on my face. He stood on the second floor, looking down at me as I took each difficult step out of the mansion gates. To this day, photos of me completely naked are still circulating on the internet. The comments below either scolded me for bringing it upon myself or assumed I was dead, gone down to apologize to Grandpa Vance. I buried my head and walked on the path of the mansion, past humiliation welling up in my heart. I didn’t notice that the roses I used to love were still blooming furiously in the yard. Liam had already been waiting in the living room. He was wearing a black suit, like a wolf that had been scheming for a long time. I stood far away, restraining my anger. “Where is the child?” “Tired from playing, sleeping upstairs.” Hearing this, I ran upstairs without stopping. The man was quick with his hands and eyes, grabbed my hand, and pulled me into his arms. The familiar woody fragrance hit me, giving me the creeps. “What’s the rush? We haven’t settled the accounts between us yet.” I thought he was referring to the time I supposedly framed Serena for stealing my design drafts. Clearly, she stole my design drafts. But no one believed me. In the end, I was fired from the company, and all my works faced verbal abuse and boycotts. However, life over the past few years has already worn away my arrogance. I pushed Liam away and fell to my knees with a ‘thud’. “Mr. Vance, I know I was wrong about what happened back then, and I’ve paid the price. If you still think it’s not enough, I can kneel down and apologize to Mrs. Vance, as long as you return the child to me.” My humility did not win the man’s pity. He furrowed his brows tightly, his tone cold. “Get up.” I didn’t move, and spoke sincerely again. “Mr. Vance, you can humiliate me however you want, as long as you return my child to me.” Liam was so angry he laughed. He squatted down to meet my eyes. “Your child, your child with whom?” I froze for a moment, then answered decisively. “With my ex-husband.” Afraid he wouldn’t believe me, I took out my marriage certificate to show him. “Liam, I didn’t lie to you. I really got married. The child is mine and my ex-husband’s!” I was indeed married, but it was just so Mia could be registered and just in case. However, the man merely glanced at the red-background photo, snatched it away, tore it to pieces, and pulled me up. “Chloe, how much this child looks like me, can’t you see clearly?” I didn’t dare look at him, struggling to go upstairs to find my daughter. He scooped me up around the waist, threw me onto the sofa, pinned my hands behind my back, his gaze sinister. “I’ll ask you one last time, whose child is it?” My eyes widened, and I found myself somewhat breathless. In a daze, I remembered the shot he fired at me after Grandpa Vance died. That kind of chilling terror struck again, and I could no longer control my tears. “Liam, I beg you to let me go! I really can’t die, Mia is still so small! She can’t be without me!” “She really isn’t your daughter! If it makes you happy, you can do whatever you want to me, just leave me my life, just don’t take Mia away!!” He wiped away the tears at the corner of my eyes, lowered his brows, and said. “When did I say I was going to take your daughter away?” I froze, Serena’s social media update suddenly flashing in my mind. Her daughter has congenital heart disease, just like her…

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The winter break was just around the corner, and my parents had booked us a luxurious cruise. My roommate, Chloe, burst into tears the moment she heard, calling my mom. “Godmother, have you forgotten you have another daughter?” After my mom politely refused, Chloe started crying and throwing a fit in our dorm room. “How can there be such biased parents in the world? We’re both their daughters, why treat me differently?” I was stunned. She’d only stayed at my place for a while, and now she genuinely thought she was my parents’ biological child. “Phoebe, are you really planning to go on vacation with your parents and just leave me alone at home?” Her question completely bewildered me. “Aren’t you going back to your own home for the break? You’re not actually planning to come to my house, are you?” Chloe’s family lived in another state, so she usually stayed in the dorms on weekends. Fearing she might get bored alone, I’d invited her to my place once. The moment she stepped inside, she exclaimed, “Phoebe, I’ve never lived in such a big, comfortable house! Can I stay here forever?” Out of politeness, I’d casually said, “Sure, you can.” From then on, every weekend, Chloe would come and stay at my house. My mom knew she was my roommate and always made sure there was plenty of good food whenever she visited. Chloe was also quite sensible, helping with chores like mopping floors and wiping tables. My dad would always try to stop her when he saw her working. “Chloe, you don’t need to do any of this. Go watch TV with Phoebe.” “It’s alright, Uncle. I do these things often at home.” “Look at Chloe, such a well-behaved child. If only you were my daughter too, I’d have two little darlings.” I never expected that one joke would lead Chloe to take it so seriously. “Why don’t I call you my godparents? Then Phoebe and I would be like sisters. I’m older than Phoebe, so I’d be the big sister.” “Godparents, I’ll take care of you both with Phoebe from now on!” My mom looked awkward. “Uncle and Auntie know you have a good heart, but we don’t really do godparents in our family.” Chloe seemed not to hear, continuing to call them “Godmother” and “Godfather.” My mom tried to correct her, but my dad secretly whispered, “Let her call us whatever she wants. Don’t make the child feel embarrassed.” It continued until winter break. I thought we could finally enjoy some family time, just the three of us. I never expected her to want to come to my house again! Chloe looked at me pitifully. “Phoebe, I couldn’t get a train ticket home, so I guess I’ll have to stay at your place this winter break.” “I’m your big sister, you wouldn’t really turn me away from home, would you?” I was already annoyed. “Chloe, I don’t care if you call us sisters. But this winter break, our family of three is going on a trip, and there won’t be anyone home.” “And it’s almost the holidays, wouldn’t your family mind if you didn’t go home?” “In my heart, I only have this one home. Whether I go back to that other house or not doesn’t really matter. Since you three are going on a trip, I guess I’ll just stay at home by myself.” I almost doubted my ears. “Did I hear that right? You’re planning to stay at my house all by yourself for the entire winter break?” “Yes, is that not allowed?” “Absolutely not!” I refused outright. “I’m sorry, but it’s not convenient to let you stay in my house alone. You’ll have to find a way to buy a ticket and go back to your own home.” Chloe didn’t say anything else, and I assumed she’d accepted it. But on the day we were leaving for break, when my parents drove to pick me up, Chloe showed up with her luggage. My parents and I stared at her, dumbfounded. She stood before us, looking a little flustered. “Godparents, can I come home with you?” “I know you’re going on a trip, but you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be good staying at home alone!” “I can help you watch the house, and help with cleaning!” “My parents only gave me enough money for a cheap train ticket, and they’re so hard to get. I couldn’t get one to go home.” “Everyone’s gone home for the holidays, even the dorm supervisor. I’m really scared to stay in the dorms by myself.” She started tearing up as she spoke. My dad’s heart softened, and he opened the car door. “Get in.” Chloe immediately beamed, picking up her luggage and climbing into the car. I was pretty unhappy, feeling she was far too comfortable, but knowing we’d be roommates for another three and a half years of college, I decided not to make a scene. Back home, Chloe put down her luggage and immediately went to the kitchen to help wash vegetables. “Godparents, you’ve worked so hard. Let me make dinner tonight.” She was always so sensible, voluntarily taking on chores, and even offering to massage my parents’ shoulders. My dad always liked to compare me to her. “Look at Chloe, if only you were half as sensible as her, we’d be content!” But in reality, every time Chloe offered to help, my parents would never let her. After all, she was a guest, and how could we make a guest do work? Sure enough, as soon as Chloe put the vegetables in the sink, my mom pushed her out of the kitchen. “Go watch TV. Let Phoebe help me with the vegetables.” I rolled up my sleeves and went into the kitchen. “Mom, Chloe has offered to cook for us so many times, but I’ve never actually eaten her cooking. Today’s a good chance for her to show off her skills. You go rest.” I pushed my mom out of the kitchen, then beckoned to Chloe. “What are you waiting for? Start cooking.” Chloe reluctantly tied on an apron. She actually managed to whip up four dishes, all of which my parents loved. My parents were even more fond of her after that. “Chloe, I can’t believe you’re only eighteen and you cook so well. My Phoebe can only wash vegetables; she can’t even steam rice.” “If Godmother likes it, I’ll cook for you every day.” After saying that, she shot me a triumphant glance. “Phoebe, you should learn from Chloe. When we’re not home, you just order takeout, which isn’t healthy.” “It’s okay, Godfather. I can cook for Phoebe from now on.” “Oh, and are you leaving for your trip tomorrow? I’m so envious of Phoebe, getting to travel every break. The furthest I’ve ever been is from home to school.” My dad looked a little pained hearing that, and he turned to my mom. “How about we let Chloe come with us?” Before my mom could even speak, Chloe was already excitedly tearing up. “Thank you, Godfather, can I really go?” Then she looked at my mom expectantly. My mom’s lips parted, and she finally said, “I’ll ask the travel agency if there’s still room.” A moment later, my mom said, “I’m sorry, Chloe, but the travel agency says they’re fully booked. There’s no way to add another person. Next time, we’ll go together another time if we get the chance.” Disappointment flashed in Chloe’s eyes, but she could only nod and say okay. After dinner, Chloe followed me into my bedroom. She suddenly said in a chilling voice, “You should have told me earlier that you were going on a trip. If you had, Godparents could have taken me too.” I couldn’t be bothered to respond, and just grabbed my change of clothes and headed to the bathroom to shower. When I came out after my shower, I suddenly slipped and fell at the bathroom door. I clutched my leg, sweating from the pain. “Who moved the non-slip mat from the doorway? Why is there shower gel all over the floor? No wonder it’s so slippery!” My mom helped me up, asking Chloe, “Did you move the non-slip mat? And spill shower gel everywhere?” Chloe looked remorseful. “Oh, I accidentally spilled some shower gel earlier, and I thought I’d take the mat to scrub it clean. But before I could finish, Phoebe came out. I really didn’t mean to.” She looked on the verge of tears. “Phoebe, are you okay? I’m so sorry.” My dad helped me up. “We need to go to the hospital. Our daughter took a bad fall.” The whole family went to the emergency room with me. After a thorough check-up, thankfully, no bones were broken. But my ankle and knee were swollen like balloons, and I needed help to walk. Chloe said worriedly, “Phoebe fell so badly, she definitely can’t go on the trip tomorrow. It’s all my fault. Will the tour fees we paid be wasted?” “Godmother, can the tour fees be refunded? What if they can’t? It’s so much money, it would be such a waste for no one to go.” I couldn’t go, so she’d just slot right in. Chloe’s hints were quite obvious, but my parents just didn’t take the bait. “Then none of us will go. We’ll stay home and take care of Phoebe.” Chloe was a bit displeased, but she quickly composed herself. “Godparents, you go ahead and enjoy your trip. I’ll take care of Phoebe.” I also said, “Yes, Mom and Dad, you go have fun. Chloe and I will be more comfortable at home anyway.” My parents, persuaded by me, ultimately decided to go on the trip. Only Chloe and I were left at home. “You deliberately caused me to slip yesterday, didn’t you?” It wasn’t a question; it was an accusation. “Oh, I really didn’t mean to. Why would you think such bad things about me? Godparents didn’t even blame me, why are you still dwelling on yesterday?” She opened the fridge and unceremoniously took out some durian and cherries, beginning to eat. “Order some takeout quickly, I’m starving. Order plenty, I’ve invited my friends over. There are five of them, and they eat a lot, so don’t be stingy and make them laugh.” “Your friends are coming to my house?” “Yes, this is my house too. Can’t I invite my friends over to play?” I was about to explode with anger. “No, you should at least ask me before inviting your friends over! This is my house. You’re just my roommate. You really think this is your own home!” Chloe stood up abruptly. “How is this not my home? I’ve adopted godparents, so this is my home!” “Godparents told me to treat this as my own home. They like me very much. You’re the only one who treats me like an outsider!” “Chloe, are you really so oblivious to polite language?” “Alright, that’s enough. My friends will be here soon. I don’t want to argue with you. If you don’t want to stay, you can leave.” “This is my home, why should I leave!” Just then, there was a knock at the door. Chloe immediately went to open it. “Oh, you’re finally here! I was just about to order takeout. What do you guys want to eat?” “I want steak!” “I want Japanese food!” There were five girls, some from other departments, and others she knew from a part-time job. Chloe simply grabbed my phone, opened the takeout app, and started choosing. “Chloe, that’s my phone!” “I know, darling. Oh, my sweet little sister, my friends are here. Don’t you think you should be a good host and treat them to something nice?” I held out my hand. “Your own friends, you entertain them yourself. Give me back my phone!” “It won’t cost you much. Don’t be so stingy.” I couldn’t walk properly, so I couldn’t snatch it back from her. Chloe held my phone and ordered for a long time, then threw it back to me. “Thanks, little sister.”

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I was the most hated female celebrity on the internet. Even drinking water could get me cursed onto the trending list. On my birthday, I died in the bathroom. The first person to find my body was my best friend. She didn’t cry, nor did she call 911. The first thing she did was pry open my eyelids and bring my phone close. Ding. Face ID unlocked successfully. Followed by the sound of a Venmo transfer. She transferred all my money away. Floating in mid-air, I watched helplessly as she finished transferring the money, then took a high-definition ugly photo of my corpse. Caption: “My heart hurts so much, Lexi, how could you leave just like this?” Send. The internet exploded. Chapter 1 I died. Died quite suddenly, heart attack. When my soul floated out, I subconsciously covered my face. No makeup, bare face. If the paparazzi caught this, the gossip blogs would write about my “looks collapsing” again. The bathroom door was pushed open. It was Samantha. My only friend in this circle, my bestie, the famous “Innocent Angel” persona—oh no, she really is pure and kind, at least that’s what I thought when I was alive. “Sam! Save me!” I shouted, reaching out to pull her. My hand passed straight through her body. Sam couldn’t see me. She looked at me lying beside the bathtub, froze for a second. Then, she smiled. Not a sad bitter smile, but the maniacal laugh of someone who just won the Powerball jackpot. “Finally dead.” She said two words. I was stunned. Sam squatted down, didn’t check for breath, didn’t check for a heartbeat. She skillfully pried the phone out of my stiff hand. The screen lit up. She grabbed my hair, lifted my head, and faced the phone camera. I watched my pale face, eyes wide open in death, appear on the screen. Beep. Unlocked. Sam’s hand speed was amazingly fast. Opened the banking app, transfer, enter password. The password was my birthday, she knew it. “Transfer successful.” “Transfer successful.” “Transfer successful.” The phone kept vibrating, notification sounds ringing like a death knell. That was my acting fee, my appearance fee, the money I saved for five years to buy a house and retire. A total of $1.2 million. All transferred into an account called “Sam’s Studio”. Floating beside her, I was so angry I wanted to strangle her. “Sam! What are you doing! That’s my money!” “Didn’t you say you’re my best sister? Didn’t you say you don’t love money?” Sam couldn’t hear. After transferring the last sum, the balance showed: $0.00. She let out a long breath, as if unloading a heavy burden. Then, she took out a bottle of eye drops from her bag. Dripped two drops. Her eyes turned red instantly. She raised the phone, aiming at my corpse, finding an angle. Must capture my torn pajamas, my pores without makeup, and that face full of death. Click. Photo taken. She opened Twitter, edited the post: “Best sister, how could you bear to leave me alone? My heart hurts, hurts so much I can’t breathe.” Location: LA County Hospital. Click send. Only after doing all this did she leisurely dial 911. “Hello? Emergency center? Woo woo woo… my friend fainted… come quickly… I’m so scared…” Voice trembling, crying tone, the Oscars owe her a statuette. I floated on the ceiling, looking at this woman I trusted for five years. Suddenly felt, my death was truly a joke. Chapter 2 The ambulance came and went. Because I was already stone cold. The police came too, ruled out homicide—after all, I really had a heart attack, although this heart attack came strangely. My body was transported back to the mansion, temporarily placed in the living room. Sam said, she wanted me to leave “with dignity”, set up a memorial in the house, let fans and friends come to pay respects. Dignity? She chose my ugliest black photo as my memorial portrait. In the photo, I was rolling my eyes, mouth crooked, a screenshot from a variety show where I was pranked. She enlarged this photo to thirty inches, hung it right in the center of the memorial hall. The memorial was decorated “grandly”. The room was full of yellow chrysanthemums I hated most, the smell making me want to vomit. Sam wore a haute couture black dress, exquisite makeup, standing at the door receiving guests. Rather than a funeral, it was more like her personal runway show. Dozens of waves of reporters came. Flashbulbs clicking, all filming Sam who “fainted from crying three times”. “Miss Samantha, did Lexi Lin have any last wishes?” Sam wiped the corner of her eye with no tears: “Lexi said… what she regretted most in her life was letting down her fans, she wanted to donate all her last savings…” Bullshit! When did I say that? “Then how will her inheritance be distributed?” Sam sobbed: “Lexi trusted me, made a verbal will before she died, all assets handed over to me to manage, for charity funds…” I floated above Sam’s head, wanting to spit on her. Just then, the main door was smashed open with a BANG. A man wearing a tattered denim jacket, sweating profusely, rushed in. It was Luke. My biological brother. The person I hated most when I was alive. He was a gambler, a rogue, every time he sought me out it was money, money, money. The last WeChat message before I died was from him: “Sis, give me another fifty thousand, last time, beg you!” I didn’t reply then, blocked him directly. Now he came. Must be here to split the inheritance. “Samantha!” Luke, red-eyed, rushed towards Sam like a mad bull. “Where’s my sister? Where is my sister?!” Sam shrank back in fear, bodyguards immediately surrounded him. “Luke? What are you doing here? The person Lexi least wanted to see alive was you!” Sam screamed. Luke ignored her completely, pushed away the bodyguards, went straight for the coffin. He saw me lying inside. At that moment, I saw this six-foot man’s legs go soft, kneeling directly on the ground. “Sis…” His trembling hand wanted to touch my face, but dared not. “Sis, get up, don’t scare me…” “I got the money, really got it, don’t die…” What is he saying? What money got? Wasn’t he asking me for money? Luke suddenly turned his head, staring dead at Sam, eyes fierce enough to eat people. “It’s you! Did you kill her?!” Sam immediately hid behind the reporters’ cameras, trembling. “Luke, don’t spit blood! I know you need money, but you can’t use your sister’s death to extort!” Reporters’ cameras instantly aimed at Luke. “Is this Lexi Lin’s vampire brother?” “Heard he owed a pile of gambling debts, causing Lexi Lin to be scolded for years.” “Coming at this time, must be wanting the inheritance.” Luke ignored those cameras, he rushed up and grabbed Sam’s collar. “Where’s her medicine! I ask you, where’s her medicine!” “That imported medicine I gave you last week! Did you give it to her!” Medicine? I froze. I have congenital heart disease, only family knows this. Last week, Sam indeed gave me a bottle of medicine, saying Luke asked her to bring it to me. She said: “Your brother said he got this special medicine from abroad, don’t know if it’s true or fake, hope it’s not poison.” I was angry at the time, felt Luke had no good intentions, threw it aside casually, continued taking the “vitamins” Sam bought me. Sam’s eyes flickered, pushed Luke away hard. “What medicine? I don’t know what you’re talking about! Luke, you’re crazy for money!” She cried to the camera: “Everyone judge! Lexi’s bones aren’t cold yet, her own brother comes to make a scene at the memorial, opening his mouth about medicine and money, is this human?” Discussion around grew louder. “Animal.” “Lexi Lin is so miserable, having such a brother.” Luke trembled with anger. He took out a dirty plastic bag from his bosom, inside was a stack of crumpled receipts. “I didn’t ask for money! This is money I sold the old house for, and moved bricks at the construction site! I went to buy medicine for her!” “Doctor said that medicine could save her life! One shot costs twenty thousand! I scraped it together! I really scraped it together!” He scattered the pile of money and receipts on the ground. Red bills, mixed with the smell of soil. Floating in mid-air, I looked at the money on the ground, brain buzzing. Those receipts read: Heart Valve Repair Agent (Imported). Date was three days ago. That day, he messaged me asking for fifty thousand. Not gambling debt. It was my life-saving money short of fifty thousand. And I, blocked him. My soul trembled violently. Turns out, the brother I always treated as trash, sold house and blood to save me. And Sam, whom I treated as a sister, swapped the medicine for vitamins, watching me walk towards death. Sam screamed, winked at the bodyguards. “Kick him out! Don’t let him disturb Lexi’s soul!” Four burly men rushed up, pinned Luke down. Luke struggled desperately, head hitting the corner of the coffin, blood flowing. “Samantha! You will die badly! I want to call the police! I want an autopsy!” “Gag him!” Sam panicked. Luke was dragged out, thrown like a dead dog at the villa gate. Gate closed. Sam tidied her messed hair, showed a poignant smile to the camera. “Sorry, let everyone see a joke. Family ugliness shouldn’t be publicized, Lexi had a hard life, having such family…” Livestream bullet comments scrolled: [Heartache for Sam!] [Protect the world’s best bestie!] [Luke go die! Vampire!] I floated in the air, looking at the screen full of abuse, looking at Sam’s hypocritical face. I wanted to kill. But I was just a puff of air. Chapter 3 At night, fewer people in the memorial hall. Sam didn’t rest. She asked her assistant to set up fill lights, aiming at my coffin. What for? Soon I knew. She opened TikTok, started a livestream. Title: [Sending Lexi off on her final journey, organizing relics, all proceeds donated]. Just started, online viewers instantly broke one hundred thousand. “Good evening family members, I’m Samantha.” She wore plain clothes, no makeup (actually put on scheming no-makeup makeup), voice hoarse. “Lexi left too suddenly, left many things. I thought, can’t let these gather dust, better share with fans who love her.” She took out a bag. That was my favorite Hermès, limited edition. “This is the bag Lexi loved most in life, original price twenty thousand, today in livestream, just for charity, starting bid five thousand!” Bullet comments went crazy. [I want it! This is Lexi’s scent!] [Sam is really too kind, thinking of charity at this time.] Floating aside, I watched her take out my bags, jewelry, even my underwear, auctioning them one by one. “Thank you ‘Love Lexi Forever’ for the big rocket!” “Thank you Top 1 Brother!” Joy couldn’t be suppressed on Sam’s face, though she tried hard to control it. Money. All money. Even if I became a corpse, she wanted to dismantle my bones and suck my marrow, squeezing out the last bit of value. “By the way, here is a special relic.” Sam mysteriously took out a small box. Opened. Inside was a diary. My diary! It recorded all my secrets, including my complaints about Sam, and records of me finding accounts suspicious! Because of depression before death, my memory declined, I always wrote suspicions in the diary, but often forgot where I put it. Didn’t expect she found it. “This is Lexi’s diary.” Sam sighed, “Actually Lexi’s mental state wasn’t good before death, often wrote some… nonsense.” What does she want to do? She wants to read my diary in public? “Do family members want to hear Lexi’s inner world?” Sam stroked the diary cover. Comments: [Want to hear!] [Is there big tea?] [Read quickly!] “Then I’ll read a random paragraph.” Sam turned a page, pretending surprised. “Oh my, this page says… she said she actually always hated fans, felt fans are all leeks…” Bullshit! I didn’t write that! She made it up on the spot! Comments exploded instantly. [What? Lexi Lin is so disgusting?] [Loss I even sent her gifts, turns out treating me as leek?] [Good riddance! Such person!] Sam’s mouth corner raised imperceptibly. “Sigh, everyone don’t scold Lexi, she was sick too, brain not clear…” She was about to turn the next page. “This page says, she admitted she did dr…” Drugs?! She wants to rumor I did drugs?! Once this hat is put on, even if dead I’ll be nailed to the pillar of shame, even Luke will carry the title of “drug star family” for life! “Sam! You shut up!” I rushed over like crazy, wanting to grab the diary. Still passed through. I despaired. Even being a ghost is so useless? Just then, I suddenly felt a strong current. Coming from that fill light. I was angry, very angry. This anger seemed to turn into a kind of energy. Zzzzz— The fill light suddenly flickered a few times. Sam was startled: “What’s going on?” I looked at that bulb. Only one thought in mind: Explode! Bang! Bulb exploded. Glass shards scattered. Livestream plunged into darkness. Sam screamed: “Ah! My face!” A glass shard cut her cheek, blood flowed out. Chaos in livestream. [WTF! Paranormal event?] [Is Lexi manifesting?] [Must be because she lied! Lexi angry!] Watching Sam covering her face screaming, a thrill I never had surged in my heart. Turns out, I can control electricity! Although only a little bit, but enough. Sam, the game has just begun. Chapter 4 Sam turned off the livestream. The wound on her face wasn’t deep, but enough to make her furious. “Bad luck! Truly bad luck!” She threw my diary on the ground, stomped twice. “Dead already, still not peaceful!” She picked up the phone, dialed a number. “Hello? Mr. Wang? Yes, it’s me.” “Something unexpected happened, that Luke seems to know about the medicine… yes, he has receipts.” “Can’t wait, cremate directly tomorrow morning.” “What memorial service? Cancel! Drag directly to burn!” “As long as burned to ashes, even gods can’t find cause of death!” I floated in the corner, chilled all over. Cremate tomorrow morning? If no autopsy, if not found I was killed by swapped medicine, I really died in vain! And, my inheritance, my $1.2 million, will all fall rightfully into this murderer’s hands! No! Absolutely not! But what can I do now? Explode a bulb? At most scare her. I need help. Luke. Only Luke can help me. But Luke was kicked out, where is he? I tried floating out. Before I could only move three meters around the corpse. But this time, maybe because that bulb explosion gave me confidence, I actually floated out of the villa gate. It was late at night. By the road outside the villa, a figure squatted. It was Luke. He didn’t leave. He had gauze wrapped around his head, curled up under the street lamp, tightly clutching that plastic bag full of medicine receipts. Gnawing on a cold bun while staring at the villa gate. “Sis…” he muttered, “I won’t go, I won’t let them burn you.” “I want to take you home.” My tears—if ghosts have tears—fell down. I wanted to hug him. Wanted to tell him, Sis was wrong, Sis used to be a jerk. Suddenly, several black vans stopped in front of Luke. Doors slid open, seven or eight people holding sticks got off. Leading was Sam’s head bodyguard. “Kid, haven’t rolled yet?” Head bodyguard sneered, “Sister Sam said, you are an eyesore here, let us send you off.” Luke threw away the bun, stood up. Although injured, that fierceness was still there. “What do you want?” “What? Shut you up.” Bodyguard swung a stick over. Luke didn’t dodge, took a hard hit, then backhanded a punch on the bodyguard’s face. “I fight you!” But he was one person after all, they were seven or eight. Soon, Luke was beaten to the ground. Sticks fell on him like raindrops. “Stop hitting! Stop hitting!” I cried, rushing over trying to block for him. Useless. Sticks passed through my body, smashing on Luke’s back. Making dull thuds. Luke curled up, protecting that plastic bag in his bosom dead tight. That was evidence. That was his only weapon. “Grab that bag!” Head bodyguard shouted. Several people went up to pry Luke’s fingers. “No! This is my sister’s life! I won’t give!” Luke roared, fingers cracked by force, but he just wouldn’t let go. “Cripple him!” Bodyguard raised an iron rod, smashed down hard on Luke’s arm. Crack. Sound of bone fracture. Luke screamed, fainted from pain. Plastic bag was snatched. Head bodyguard took out a lighter, in front of the unconscious Luke, set that bag of receipts on fire. Fire light reddened the night sky. My heart, completely cold. Evidence gone. Brother crippled. What do I have to turn the tables? Bodyguards got in cars and left. Leaving Luke alone lying in a pool of blood, dead or alive unknown.

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My childhood best friend threw away his Stanford acceptance—the one we’d both bled for—all for a girl who was suddenly too fragile for California sunshine. The deadline for application material submission was half an hour away when his social media updated. In the soft glow of candlelight, he was gently placing a delicate birthday crown on her head. The caption: “Some choices are more important than a future.” My phone was vibrating wildly; it was my best friend, Jade. “Riley, are you still going to submit his forms? You’ve got three minutes left.” I closed the browser tab, watching the countdown clock tick. “No,” I said. “I’m not. That’s his call.” “I only pay for my own flight plan.” … At 6:00 p.m. sharp, the Stanford application system automatically closed. Jade let out a long, relieved breath on the other end of the line. “It’s about time you came to your senses! I’ll finally get to visit you in California next spring break!” Just as she was speaking, I heard the familiar beep of my front door’s smart lock. Beckett Nolan walked in, followed by Sadie Miller, looking as comfortable as if they were entering their own home. “Riley, you submitted your grad school application, right?” He didn’t wait for my answer. “I told Sadie that given her circumstances, staying domestic for a Master’s is the safest bet, but she was worried and insisted I come check on you.” He nudged her gently. “See? She’s more focused on your life than you are.” He gave the girl next to him a fond, almost paternal rub on the hair. The moment I’d decided not to follow Beckett’s path and stay behind, many of my raw emotions had settled into a quiet calm. I no longer felt that familiar tightening in my throat when I saw Sadie clutching his arm. I nodded. “All submitted. Did you need something?” Beckett frowned at my flat expression. “Riley, what’s with the attitude lately?” Sadie subtly tugged on his sleeve and spoke in a small voice: “Riley… you know about my family situation.” “Going abroad is too much of an expense. Even with a full scholarship, I can’t afford the living costs and flights.” “My grades are just okay. It’s better if I stay here, work on a domestic research project, and get a stipend.” She lowered her gaze. “It’s because of me that Beckett gave up his plan to go abroad. Please don’t be mad at him. He’s been working all afternoon connecting me with potential domestic advisors, so he didn’t get a chance to tell you himself…” Listening to her soft, frail explanation, I cut straight to the chase. “Didn’t you know all of these difficulties back when we started the application process?” “Why wait until the eleventh hour to bring it up?” Sadie looked genuinely shocked, her eyes instantly welling up. “I—I had talked it over with Beckett a while ago. It’s just that today was the final decision…” A while ago? I lowered my eyes. So, while I was pulling all-nighters with him, working on essays, grinding out practice problems, and dreaming of watching the sunset on the West Coast together, he was already planning a completely different future with Sadie. Seeing me silent, Sadie’s voice dropped to a whimper, laced with tears. Beckett placed his hand on her shoulder, his tone turning cold. “That’s enough, Riley.” “There’s no need to be so aggressive.” His words were like a bucket of ice water, jolting me completely awake. I looked at his familiar, yet suddenly alien face, then shifted my gaze away. “I’m not mad. I just wanted to know the reason.” Now I understood. And finally, I could let go. Beckett and I were the definition of childhood sweethearts, attached at the hip since kindergarten. After my father passed away, my mother became permanently based at her company’s overseas branch. She came home less than twice a year. For most of my childhood, it was just me and my grandmother in our old house. Some relatives always whispered cruel things—mocking my mother as a “career woman who neglects her home” or hinting that my family was “lacking a strong male presence.” I’d always hide under the old oak tree in the backyard to cry, not wanting my grandmother to see. That was where Beckett found me. He’d squat down in front of me, stick up for me, and every day after that, he’d bring me a warm bag of candied pecans. From then on, I was his shadow. We went to school together, studied for tests together, and cheered each other on through countless late nights, fueling each other’s dreams. We promised to go to America together, to get into the best schools, to drive Route 66, and wait for the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. We agreed that once we were settled there, we’d finally officially be a couple. Everything changed last year, the day Sadie arrived. She was a student his mother had sponsored from a disadvantaged school district. She was given special permission to transfer to our highly selective high school for her senior year, temporarily living with the Nolans. Initially, Beckett was distant, avoiding her at home and ignoring her at school. Sadie silently followed him around, organizing his messy homework, saving him a seat in the cafeteria, and collecting his lab reports. Her cautious, almost timid devotion occasionally reminded me of my younger self. So, I often urged Beckett to be kinder to her. But he was always indifferent. When we went off to college, Sadie applied for the Humanities program—the one with the lowest admissions score—just to be on the same campus as him. Then one day, while turning in forms at the Sociology department, we saw Sadie alone in the corner of a lecture hall, secretly wiping tears while listening to a TOEFL audio lesson. Beckett’s face was a study in conflicting emotions: surprise, guilt, pity. And perhaps a flicker of something else I couldn’t quite name. From that moment, everything shifted. He started canceling our weekend dates to help Sadie with English tutoring. He started walking her to public lectures because her roommate was giving her the cold shoulder. This afternoon, he’d texted to say he was officially pulling his application and would be staying in the country to pursue a direct PhD with Sadie. I was stunned for a long time, but the overriding emotion was, surprisingly, relief. It was as if a heavy stone I’d been carrying for years had finally hit the ground. Beckett was so sure I’d follow him that he didn’t even bother to ask about my choice before he and Sadie left. That evening, the department had a dinner gathering. When I arrived, they were already there. I chose a seat as far away from Beckett as possible. He kept staring at me, his eyes full of a complicated mix of confusion and irritation. A guy at the table laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Riley, why so far away? Better keep an eye on Beckett, or someone else might snatch him up for good.” Everyone knew who that “someone” was. Sadie didn’t deny it; she just blushed and glanced at Beckett. Our class president tried to smooth things over. “Don’t be ridiculous. Didn’t Beckett and Riley promise to study abroad together?” Before I could speak, Sadie gently interjected, “Beckett didn’t accept the overseas offer. He was worried I wouldn’t adjust to life abroad, so he decided to stay here with me.” There was a hint of barely concealed triumph in her voice. The table went quiet for a beat. Someone asked me, “Riley, is that true? You don’t mind? You guys have been preparing for this since sophomore year, right?” I looked at the slight upturn of Sadie’s mouth and spoke calmly. “I don’t mind.” “To each their own path.” Just as Beckett had chosen Sadie. I had chosen my own road. Halfway through the dinner, I stepped out to take a call. When I returned, Beckett and Sadie had moved to the seats right next to me. Beckett’s cheeks were flushed with alcohol. He leaned in conspiratorially. “Riley, I know you’re upset that I gave up the study abroad plan.” “But you know Sadie’s situation. Going abroad is just too much stress for her.” “If she stays here, she can keep her financial aid and be close enough to care for her sick mother.” “She’s so sensitive; she’s never been far from home. You wouldn’t want her to be here alone, would you?” “Sadie said if you want to visit the US, we can save up after graduation and go together.” “Don’t be so dramatic, okay?” I pushed his shoulder away. “I told you, I’m not mad.” I raised an eyebrow. “But if Sadie has trouble with basic living expenses, how is she planning a trip to America?” Clang. Sadie’s glass tipped over onto the table. She bit her lip, her eyes instantly red. “Riley, I know your family is wealthy, and you’ve always looked down on me.” “I was planning to tutor on the side to save up for the trip, and I’d pay Beckett back for everything.” “Are you saying only people like you deserve to see the world?” “Am I supposed to just rot away here?” “I don’t steal or cheat; I earn every penny. Please stop talking to me like I’m beneath you.” The surrounding students started whispering: “That was a bit much from Riley…” “She’s smart, but sometimes she’s just too aggressive.” “Honestly, if I were him, I’d pick the sweet one like Sadie, too.” Sadie’s tears began to fall in earnest. Beckett’s eyes hardened completely. “Riley, apologize to Sadie. Now.” Jade, who had been quiet, finally snapped back. “Why? She’s the one who keeps playing the poverty card!” “Riley only asked a logical question based on her own words. Why should she apologize?” “Sadie had three months this summer. She could have interned or worked. But she hasn’t. She just tags along with you everywhere, planning trips to the States. Who’s being high and mighty now?” Sadie began to sob hysterically. I looked at the scene, feeling only a profound exhaustion. I pulled Jade up to leave. Beckett grabbed my wrist, his voice low with fury. “Riley, apologize. Or don’t bother coming on the graduation trip.” My wrist was throbbing. I gently peeled his fingers away, one by one, and looked him in the eye. “Beckett, you and Sadie can go wherever you like.” “Just don’t involve me in your drama.” “And don’t contact me again.” With that, I turned and walked out. That same night, Sadie posted on social media. It was a photo of her and Beckett at an amusement park. Caption: Meeting you was the best kind of luck. I glanced at it, feeling a deep, abiding peace. I went back to packing, preparing for my summer stay in the city where my mother worked. The moment the plane landed, my phone blew up with notifications—all from Beckett. “Riley, Sadie and I are planning the California trip. You can still make the reservation if you apologize now.” “There’s nothing going on between Sadie and me. That post was just a thank you.” “Riley, I truly don’t understand you.” “A domestic PhD track is a golden opportunity. What’s so terrible about it?” “You had a guaranteed spot. Why throw a tantrum over this?” I scrolled past the messages, leaving them unread. Beckett had considered Sadie’s needs from every angle. Yet, he had never once stopped to think that with my father gone, my mother’s business overseas, and my grandmother needing care in a warmer climate, staying in the country was the worst option for me. When I arrived at the apartment, a tall, well-built young man was sitting in the living room. He stood up and took my suitcase. “Do you remember me? I’m Damon Fox.” Damon, the son of my mother’s old colleague, was two years older than me and currently pursuing his PhD in California. Hearing I’d decided to go abroad, he’d flown home specifically to help me get a head start. For two solid weeks, Beckett didn’t try to call again. His social media feed was a constant stream of travel photos with Sadie. Meanwhile, with Damon’s steady help, I familiarized myself with my courses, secured an apartment, and sorted out all the details for my life across the ocean. Once all the paperwork was finalized, I returned to Boston one last time. This trip was purely to finalize the sale of our old house. My mom, still cautious, asked Damon to accompany me. Just as we entered the neighborhood, we ran into Beckett’s mother coming home from the grocery store. She insisted we come up for dinner. Unable to refuse, and hearing that Beckett and Sadie were out, we went upstairs. While cooking, Beckett’s mother lamented. “Riley, that son of mine drove me crazy.” “He secretly rejected the overseas scholarship without telling anyone. I only found out when the confirmation email hit my inbox.” “Thank God he said you eventually decided to stay, too. Otherwise, I’d have wrung his neck.” “Now that you two are doing your doctorates here, I need you to keep an eye on him for me.” Beckett’s mother treated me like a daughter. She was the one who always sat by my bedside when I had a fever as a child. I paused, then spoke softly, “Aunt Nora, I didn’t give up the scholarship. My paperwork is all done.” Beckett’s mother froze. Then she patted my hand, simply telling me to be careful out there alone. The dinner finished in a subtle, uncomfortable silence. After saying goodbye, I went home for the final clean-up. The house sale was final; the buyers were a couple desperate for a good school district for their child, scheduled to sign the contract that afternoon. I was showing them the view from the patio when a familiar voice erupted at the door: “Who are you?” “Why are you in Riley’s house?” I turned around. Beckett was standing in the doorway, his eyes narrowed, staring aggressively at Damon. I stepped forward. “Beckett, this is Damon Fox, my mother’s friend’s son. Damon, this is Beckett Nolan, my oldest friend.” Beckett’s face darkened even further. He was about to press the issue when he was cut off by a tearful female voice. “Beckett, did you find out what happened?” It was Sadie. She was standing on the landing, her eyes red-rimmed. Beckett’s expression changed. He looked back at me. “Riley, did you stop by my house earlier today?” I nodded. “I ran into your mom, so I stayed for dinner.” The moment I finished, Sadie’s tears began to fall. Beckett’s brow furrowed. “Riley, what did you say to my mom at lunch?” “She suddenly gave Sadie the cold shoulder and told her to move out once she starts grad school.” “Giving up the scholarship was my decision. If you’re angry, take it out on me, but stop bullying Sadie.” “Go explain everything to my mom right now.” “Otherwise, you’ll regret it when the semester starts.” I was anxious to sign the contract. I had no energy for this. “Fine.” Beckett froze, then his face turned ashen. “Riley, what do you mean by that?” I didn’t answer. I gently closed the door. After the contracts were signed, I started the final sweep. The large furniture was staying; most of the clothes were handled. All that remained were some documents, photo albums, and a single cherrywood keepsake box. The box contained every birthday gift Beckett had given me from age eight to eighteen. The origami stars he’d folded, the simple silver necklace he’d saved up for, and the lucky charm he’d hiked for. Only my nineteenth birthday was missing. I remembered that Sunday. I was at the Nolans’ working on application details with Beckett. Things were already strained between us. All afternoon, he was helping Sadie revise her study proposal, barely speaking to me. I was hurt, but I refused to show my vulnerability in front of Sadie. As I was leaving, I spoke quietly. “Beckett, it’s my birthday today.” He paused, a look of immediate annoyance flashing across his face. He said he’d go straight out to pick up the gift he’d pre-ordered. But Sadie called out to him. “Beckett, I still don’t understand this question. Could you please go over it one more time?” Beckett looked at me, then at Sadie. After a moment of hesitation, he finally said, “Riley, just go home and wait for me. I’ll come over after I finish helping Sadie.” I waited until midnight. The clock struck twelve, and he never showed. When we met the next day at school, he didn’t bring the gift. He just frowned and told me, “Riley, you know Sadie’s never even had a birthday cake in her life.” His tone was laced with pity and concern. The ring of my phone pulled me back to the present. Damon’s voice. “Riley, your books and important documents have been shipped. Anything else I can help with here?” I looked around the empty room. “No, I’m all set. Just wait for me at the transit hub.” I sealed the cherrywood box and placed it, along with the rest of the unwanted clutter, into the recycling bin. Damon and I had a late-night flight booked. After saying goodbye to Aunt Nora, I rode my bike toward our meeting point. I didn’t expect to run into Beckett on the way.

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The day of Ashton Blackwood’s engagement party was a who’s who of the city’s elite. He was on the sofa with his fiancée, opening gifts, when the young woman let out a small, delicate “huh?” “Who sent this? A broken doll? Are they sick or something?” His friends craned their necks to see, then snickered. “Oh, that must be from Lily. Why’s it broken, though? You’ve gotta give her points for persistence. Pining after Ashton for seven years and she still hasn’t given up.” “She’s probably off crying in a corner somewhere right now.” They were all laughing at me. Only Ashton, sitting in the center of it all, felt his cigarette tremble, scattering a fine layer of ash on the marble floor. Because he suddenly remembered what I’d once told him. “I’ll keep this doll with me my entire life. Unless…” He had laughed then. “Unless what?” “Unless I stop loving you.” 1. I left the Blackwood villa and hailed a cab straight to the airport. The driver, with a thick New York accent, glanced at me in the rearview mirror. “You comin’ from the Blackwood kid’s engagement party, huh?” See? Ashton Blackwood’s name was that famous. Anyone who heard it could share a bit of gossip. “Heard he used to have a new girlfriend every week. Total player.” “Wasn’t he just in the tabloids with some starlet last month? You think he’s really ready to settle down? Bet it’s just for show. He’ll still have other women after the wedding.” I managed a small smile. “You’re right.” For a man of his stature, that kind of gossip wasn’t exactly a good look. In the past, I would have probably argued with the driver. I would have said that not every woman photographed with him was his girlfriend; some were just friends of friends. Or I would have insisted that he was truly in love with Isabelle, that he genuinely wanted to marry her. And for the rest of his long life, Ashton Blackwood would love Isabelle, and only Isabelle. Thinking this, I looked down at my phone. A new post popped up on my Instagram feed. It was a group photo from the party. 【Congrats to the happy couple! To a hundred years of happiness!】 A flood of comments followed. 【His fiancée is gorgeous. No wonder Ashton waited five years for her.】 … 【Yeah, I’m here now, they’re so sweet together.】 Just then, a text message came through. It was from Jack, Ashton’s best friend. 【Where are you? We were taking a group pic and couldn’t find you. Ash is pissed.】 I had only been at the engagement party for five minutes. Just long enough to drop off my gift and leave. I typed back. 【Something came up. I already left.】 A moment later, he replied. 【Why didn’t you say anything? Ashton would’ve had someone drive you.】 He had already given me so much. He’d paid for my education, my dance lessons, for anything I ever wanted to do. But the place I was going this time was too far. It was better this way. 2. I turned off my screen and didn’t reply. When I looked up, we were at a red light. The driver idly glanced out at a skyscraper. As if on cue, the massive screen on its facade was displaying an ad featuring the very same starlet he’d just mentioned. The driver clicked his tongue. “So, what’s your connection to the Blackwoods, kid? Be honest, you’re not another one of his exes, are you? I’ve already driven three of ’em over there today.” A bitter smile touched my lips. “No.” “I’m his stepsister.” He had countless flames, a life defined by romance. But whenever people talked about him, beyond the string of lovers, there was one other person they always mentioned: his stepsister. They always framed it as a story of his benevolence. The media had covered it years ago: after Ashton Blackwood’s stepmother passed away, he ignored the protests of his entire family and insisted on keeping the “charity case” she had brought with her into the marriage. I was only fifteen then. The Blackwood elders wanted to send me back to my hometown, but Ashton was the only one who refused. “Her deadbeat dad doesn’t even want her,” he had argued. “She has no one back there. You want to send her back to starve?” A soft sigh escaped me. If he had sent me away back then, maybe we wouldn’t have ended up like this. We arrived at the airport shortly after. With an hour and a half until boarding, I found a seat in the departure lounge. I scrolled through my phone for a bit, and before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, my phone was lit up with an endless stream of missed calls. Friends, classmates, people from Ashton’s circle. Even some of the Blackwood elders. And at the very top of the list: Ashton. He had called twenty-eight times. He’d nearly drained my battery. I was still trying to process it when I opened my messages and saw two from him, sent just a minute ago. The first was a photo. It was of me, in the airport lounge. I was wearing a cream-colored dress, leaning back in the chair and looking at my phone, my long hair spilling over my shoulders. Outside the window, the ground was a carpet of red maple leaves. The second message was a voice note. His voice was rough, laced with a barely-there thread of fury. “Lily, turn around.” 3. The lounge was bustling with people. I looked up and saw him standing not far away. I pressed my lips together. “What are you doing here?” He gave a harsh tug at the corner of his mouth but said nothing. In the next second, he was striding toward me. He snatched the suitcase from my hand, his voice cold and hard. “Let’s go. I’m taking you home.” “You can go on a trip any other time. Did you have to pick today? Do you have any respect for me at all?” He didn’t mention the doll. It was as if he hadn’t even opened the gifts yet. But I’d already seen the message from Jack. He’d said: 【You gotta tell me what that doll was about. Ash saw it and completely lost his shit… Where are you?】 I reached for my suitcase. “I’m not going back.” He let out a cold laugh, his grip tightening on my wrist as he started pulling me toward the exit. “You’re my sister. If I don’t look after you, who will? You want to go to Australia? Fine. I’ll take you when I have time.” I shook my head, looking at him seriously. “No. I don’t need you to take me. I want to go by myself.” I repeated myself, for emphasis. “I don’t need anyone to go with me.” In the past, whenever he went on trips with his girlfriends, he would insist on dragging me along, saying he was worried I’d be lonely. He was considerate, though; to avoid making it awkward, he’d always invite Jack to keep me company. That was how Jack and I got to know each other. One time, he couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Lily,” he’d complained, “come on. Ashton has a girlfriend now. It’s not right for you to be so clingy. I know you like him, but it’s been years. It’s time to let it go. I don’t even have time for my own girlfriend because I’m always out here babysitting you. It’s depressing.” In that moment, I wished the ground would swallow me whole. I couldn’t explain that it was Ashton who made me come, because I had my own selfish reasons for wanting to be near him. I used to think that all those other girls were just flings. That one day, he might turn around and finally see me. After all, I had never seen him be particularly intimate with any of them. Until two weeks ago, when Isabelle came back. Ashton never asked me to come along again. He started coming home with lipstick marks on his collar. Not long after, they were engaged. Only then did I finally understand. His years of playing the field were all because of his first love, Isabelle. Ever since she had left, every girlfriend he’d had possessed at least one feature that resembled hers. 4. But Ashton still dragged me out of the airport. “I can make sure this flight never takes off,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “Do you really want to test me?” “Besides,” he added, his tone softening slightly, “have you even touched your own face? You’re burning up. You have a fever, Lily.” Once we were in the car, I realized Jack was there too. He was in the driver’s seat, smoking. When he saw me, he quickly stubbed out the cigarette. “Whoa,” he said. “What’s going on here?” Ashton didn’t waste any time. “To the hospital.” The moment I got in the car, I closed my eyes and said nothing. Jack glanced at me in the rearview mirror, hesitated, and then called my name. I heard him, but I was too exhausted to respond. He seemed to take that as a cue, letting out a sigh of relief. “Jesus, Ash,” he said, “you really lost it this time.” “Do you have any idea how many reporters and media outlets were at that party? Do you know how many powerful people from business and politics were there?” Ashton’s voice was flat. “I know.” “The party’s not even over. Isabelle is still waiting for you. If you go back now, it’s not too late.” I wanted to say something, but my mouth wouldn’t open. And then, everything went black. When I woke up again, Ashton was standing by the window of the hospital room, his back to me, on the phone. I couldn’t hear the other side, but I heard his response: “We’ll postpone it for now. Just cancel it.” It took me a moment to realize he was talking about the engagement party. I sat up, my voice hoarse. “You should go back. Thank you for today.” Hearing my voice, Ashton turned around. He walked over to my bed and stood over me, his gaze dark and unreadable. “Do you really…” he started to ask. Those three words made my heart leap into my throat. Shamefully, my mind automatically finished his sentence: Do you really not have feelings for me anymore? But before he could finish, a soft voice came from the doorway. “Ashton.” It was just his name, but the way she said it was filled with an indescribable charm. Ashton’s expression shifted, and he looked away from me. He turned to her. “I’m sorry.” 5. Isabelle walked into the room with a gentle smile. “It’s okay.” “Your sister is my sister now, too. She was in a car accident. That’s a big deal. How could I possibly blame you?” It finally clicked. So that was the story Ashton was telling people. His sister was in a car accident, forcing him to leave his own engagement party. It was a perfectly reasonable explanation. It was also obvious that Isabelle knew it was a lie, but she didn’t call him out on it. Instead, she turned to me with a kind smile. “Lily, you’re about the right age. Have you thought about finding a boyfriend?” I was about to shake my head. But then I saw Ashton, standing beside her, clutching his phone so tightly his knuckles were turning white. Oh… Knowing him, he probably wanted me to find a boyfriend too. That way, there would be no chance of me ever getting in their way again. He had taken care of me for so many years. No matter what, I owed him. Maybe it was time to give him what he wanted. And to finally let myself go. “I’ve been thinking about it,” I said. The words had barely left my lips when Ashton’s head snapped up. He stared at me, completely still. Isabelle smiled, her gaze shifting to Ashton. She walked over, looped her arm through his, and said playfully, “You’re not doing a very good job as a big brother. You should be helping her out with that, you know.” Ashton was silent for a moment before he finally spoke, his voice deep and cold. “Right. I’ll get right on that.” He shot me one last, expressionless look, then gently removed Isabelle’s hand from his arm and walked out of the room. For a split second, Isabelle’s face went cold. She gave me a long, meaningful glance, said nothing, and followed him out. 6. To make sure I rested, Ashton confiscated my phone for the two days I was in the hospital. He also forbade anyone from visiting me. I only got my phone back the day I was discharged. The number of notifications was staggering. I answered a few messages from friends, and then my eyes fell on one at the very bottom of the list. There was no name saved, just a single letter as the username: q. 【Hey, where’d you go? I waited at the airport but didn’t see you.】 He was an online friend I’d met on a forum two years ago. He was witty, insightful, and had moved to Australia for school a few years back. When he found out I was planning to join a dance company there, he had been a huge help. As I was about to reply, the “is typing…” bubble appeared. A moment later, a new message popped up. 【Couldn’t get a hold of you. I just finished up with my school stuff and I’m back in the city. Want to meet up?】 I typed back quickly. 【Yeah, definitely! Sorry about before, something came up.】 He replied almost instantly. 【No worries. You’re okay, right?】 I told him I was fine. He seemed relieved and sent a voice note. “Good to hear. See you soon, then?” 【Yep.】 After I replied, I looked over at Ashton’s back. He was bent over, packing my things. He had barely left my side for the past two days. He looked exhausted. But ever since that day in the hospital, we had hardly spoken. It used to be me, racking my brain for something to talk about. Now, I wasn’t initiating anymore. And whenever he spoke, my replies were short and to the point. We had run out of things to say to each other. I thought for a moment, then spoke. “Ashton.” He froze, and for a split second, I heard a flicker of something almost like hope in his voice. “What is it?” I looked up at him, my own voice calm and steady. “I can put off going abroad for now. But I want to move out of the Blackwood house.” 7. I’d brought it up many times before, but Ashton had never agreed. Back then, I was in love with him, so I had always let it go and stayed. But now, he had a fiancée. It wasn’t right for me to be living under his roof anymore. I thought, given how much he loved Isabelle, he would surely agree this time. But to my surprise, the moment the words left my mouth, he threw the clothes he was folding onto the bed, grabbed me, and squeezed my arms, his grip painfully tight. He let out a cold, humorless laugh. He said my name. “Lily.” “How long are you going to keep this up?” I was genuinely confused. “What?” He took a deep breath, his eyes glinting with a chilling light. “I know what you’re doing. All those other women before—if you didn’t like them, I’d get rid of them. But Isabelle is different. I’ve already postponed the engagement for you. I’ve done everything a brother could possibly do. Are you really going to force my hand?” I was speechless. He was right. More than half of his past girlfriends had broken up with him because of me. He smirked, finally bringing up the doll. He leaned in close, his thumb brushing against my lips. I flinched. “What do you mean by that?” “The doll, running off to Australia, and now this talk about moving out,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “Lily, you’re too young to play these games. This whole push-and-pull thing… you don’t know how to play it. Stop this. Just be the little princess of the Blackwood family. I’ll give you anything you want.” I opened my mouth to argue, but just then, his assistant’s voice came from the doorway. “Mr. Blackwood, Miss Isabelle just called. She’d like you to come over and help choose a new date for the engagement.”

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “MotoNovel” app 🔍 search for “390497”, and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel

During the critical period of fighting for my custody, my mother suddenly claimed she was the Villainess in a novel and awakened memories of her past life. She said she worked three jobs a day to raise me, but I would favor my father and his mistress when I grew up, leaving her to die alone in a Nursing Home. So this time, she gave up my custody first and adopted a girl whose parents sacrificed in a fire. No matter how I cried and screamed, Mom remained indifferent. Three months later, living with Dad, I was bullied by my stepmother’s daughter at school and suffered from severe depression. After the 50th time of having suicidal thoughts, covered in disgusting vomit, I begged my mother to help me transfer schools. Seeing me again, the motherly love in her eyes was long gone, only disgust remained. “Luna, didn’t I say we cut ties? You are not my daughter, why are you still pestering me!” Before I could speak, she suddenly had a mental breakdown and slapped herself. “Do I owe your King family? The old one wasted ten years of my youth, and the small one haunts me like a debt collector!” “I finally got a little happier, and you come to haunt me like a ghost. Are you trying to force me to death?” Seeing she was about to rush to the kitchen to get a knife, I endured the pain of my broken bone, knelt down first and kowtowed heavily to apologize. “Sorry, Mom, it’s my fault, I promise never to come again.” She didn’t believe me. Before leaving, she held a written Emancipation Paper, asking me to sign. I took the pen, and with my only functioning left hand, tremblingly wrote down my name. Walking out the door, I immediately called an Uber to the seaside. Goodbye Mom, never see you again. Chapter 1 For the past 50 times, whenever suicidal thoughts wrapped around my neck like vines, I would screen methods and locations of death over and over again on the internet late at night. In less than a week, the densely packed links in my favorites occupied several gigabytes. Now determined not to live, I wanted to decide my final destination by throwing a die. Watching the die finally settle on 6, I confirmed the way of death by jumping into the sea. While waiting for the car, my mother’s voice sounded from behind. “Luna, why haven’t you left yet? Do you want to rely on me here till death?” I was startled unprepared, phone clattered and fell in front of her shoes. The death methods and locations in favorites were exposed under the sunlight. Afraid she would see, I bent down and reached out quickly. But still a step too late, phone snatched by her. Looking at her gradually serious face, besides anxiety, a trace of expectation uncontrollably rose in my heart… “Luna, you wouldn’t think threatening suicide is useful to me, right?” Heart felt like poured by a basin of cold water. After cooling through, felt myself ridiculously stupid. I forgot. Two months ago, mother adopted a new daughter. She bought her clothes of my favorite brand, took her to watch plays we watched, let her live in my former room, and even gave her the same nickname “Jojo” (Original text: Jiaojiao) as me. And my things, small as the necklace I bought for mom, big as my dolls, were thrown into trash can like garbage one by one. Even last week when I was poured cold water and locked in restroom by stepsister Harper, I messaged mom asking if she could come see me, she only replied “Busy” and blocked me. Later, punished by father kneeling in small shrine all night, I switched to Finsta and saw her Instagram Story. Under starlight, she accompanied new daughter on Ferris wheel, smiling eyes bent holding her in arms, gave her a dress she hand-made, calling “Jojo” again and again. Thinking of mom’s hands full of band-aids from needle pricks making clothes, I endured sourness in heart, shook head. “I didn’t mean to threaten Mom, I know you have a new daughter.” “I’m waiting for Uber, once it comes, I’ll go.” Afraid she wouldn’t believe, I snatched back phone, switched to Uber page. 7 minutes until driver arrives. Shock flashed in her eyes, seemed didn’t expect my reaction. Dryly replied. “Best if you think so!” “Don’t come find me later either, I won’t…” “Okay.” I smiled and nodded, bowed deeply again. “Thank you for raising me, I won’t come again in future.” Anyway I have no future. When getting up, collar slipped due to bowing, a dark red whip mark on neck side exposed. Her gaze stuck dead on that scar, brows unconsciously frowned. “What’s with the injury on your neck…” Meeting her disgusted gaze, I subconsciously panicked. Mom already hates me, what if she misunderstands I’m playing wild outside? Just about to explain it was beaten by stepsister Harper, a figure threw into mom’s arms, acting spoiled. “Mommy, why you out so long ah, I waited till hypoglycemia attacked.” Hearing “hypoglycemia”, mom’s gaze quickly withdrew from me, supporting her apologizing repeatedly. “All mommy’s fault, delayed my Jojo’s meal for irrelevant person, we go home now.” Irrelevant person? My eye rims a bit sour, but looking at just signed Emancipation Paper in hand couldn’t think of rebutting words. Indeed, current me has no relationship with her. Just about to turn leave, delicate voice called me. “Sister, do you want to go back with us, eat a meal then…” Meeting her kind eyes, I didn’t understand why she suddenly changed a face. Before I knocked door, she put harsh words to me. “You shouldn’t come, a bitch turning elbow outward like you doesn’t deserve such good mom, death is your destination, can you hurry die!” “Only you die, everyone can be happy, otherwise everyone will be dragged down by you, especially mom, she has nightmares seeing you, uncontrollably self-harm.” I was burned by hate in her eyes, stubbornly thought she was threatening me. Until mom saw my face, suddenly collapsed slapping herself, shouting taking knife suicide. Especially scars on her wrist one by one. I knew what she said was true. My existence is pain to her. Person like me, deserves to die. So, I swallowed words asking mom help transfer school, signed Emancipation Paper. If between us two, only one can gain happiness. I hope it’s mom. She is so kind and lovely. Taught me since young to care for animals, respect others. Living expenses from father. She didn’t buy bags like other rich wives, but built stray animal shelter, raised group of cats and dogs. She knew some couldn’t afford school, no playground, built Charity Schools one by one, playgrounds one by one. Every New Year, letters thanking mom could pile into a small hill. To me, she was good beyond words. I liked dresses, she hand-made for me, I liked animals plants, she personally took care of villa garden, let me eat first bite of organic vegetables. I sick, she stayed up whole nights guarding me. When I was 5 got acute aplastic anemia, doctor said I couldn’t live past three months. Mom even knelt outside mountain temple gate, from dawn to late night, one step one kowtow, climbed 999 bluestone steps. Steps full of gravel, her knees ground bloody, seeping blood dyed stone slabs red, finally begged this jade plaque engraved with my name. Magically, after I wore jade plaque, doctor found misdiagnosis, my illness miraculously improved. Can say, she gave me life twice. And I as daughter, can give nothing. At least don’t drag her down welcoming new life. “You are right, burden like me, indeed deserves to die.” I pulled off jade plaque from neck, put into girl’s hand. “This is Heirloom Locket mom begged for me, very efficacious, I give to you. Hope you be safe forever, always accompany mom, let her happy forever.” She stared at me complicatedly, still accepted locket. I sighed relief, hugged her. “Thank you for coming to mom’s side, please take care of her later.” I took out notebook recording mom from bag again. “This records mom’s birthday wishes every year, what she loves eating, what she hates.” Lily accepted notebook, agreed me. “You little girl, how I told you usually, have vigilance to people, can’t invite anyone home to eat, what if do bad things to you?” Mother’s words interrupted my memory. Little girl stuck out tongue acting spoiled, but smiled provocatively at me where mother couldn’t see. “But this big sister is mommy’s daughter, count as my sister, how she…” “She is not.” Mother held her hand, solemnly said: “I will only have you one daughter in future.” If before, hearing this sentence would definitely be sad. But now, I only feel fortunate. If mother only has her one child, that’s also quite good. At least knowing my death later, won’t be sad for me. I completely let go of obsession, suddenly grinned echoing. “Right, Auntie Penelope will only have you one daughter, you will definitely be happy.” Hearing “Auntie Penelope”, mother’s cold eyes froze, looked at me deeply. I couldn’t understand deep meaning in her eyes, I didn’t want to guess either. I am really too tired. In short three months haven’t slept a good sleep. Dad brought stepmother in second day after getting divorce certificate. Less than a week, my life changed earth-shakingly. I moved from second biggest bedroom to servant room, since then as long as father absent, I had to work with servants. I sought father for justice, but framed as lying. Stepmother rank too high, one face front one face back, father’s love gradually disappeared, I became lying essence he disgusted. Stepsister Harper relying on popularity, tried every way vent anger on me. School trash can I drilled, toilet I swept, their shoes I licked, slapped, poured dirty water, torn homework, even more common… At first teachers would stand up for me because of my excellent grades, later as I forgot homework, grades slid, classmates rumored, dirty every day, also unwilling manage me. Every day was torture to me. Could hold on so long, all relied on agreement that mother would take me to Hokkaido (maybe change to Disneyland or Paris) if I did well in SSATs. But just yesterday, no matter how I begged, even kowtowed knelt, right hand was smashed by Harper with stick hit by hit. I can’t write anymore, can’t take exam. Agreement can’t be fulfilled. Now I just want lie in a place, rest well permanently. Coincidentally, car horn sounded. My Uber arrived. I smiled goodbye to mother and Jojo. “Auntie Penelope, Jojo, goodbye.” Getting in car, mother suddenly chased up. I thought she had words, rolled down window. She opened mouth for long time, until driver impatiently stepped on gas, finally squeezed out few words. Pity my left ear already beaten deaf. Wind so big, I finally didn’t hear clear what mother said. I politely smiled nodded to her, waved hand. But still after her figure shrank to a dot, cried choking. Driver uncle seeing me cry so sad, thought drove too fast, busy apologized, tentatively opened mouth: “Little sister, is it words not finished, want talk to mom well again, uncle turn back send you back now.” Seeing me silent, he added sentence. “Money for turning back on uncle, I won’t charge you.” I wiped tears with sleeve, shook head. “Thanks uncle, no need.” But uncle still soft hearted turned back. Afraid mom misunderstand I pestering endlessly, I somewhat anxious, hurriedly spoke. “Mom has new daughter, she will be unhappy if I go, beg you turn back.” Driver uncle body paused, long sigh, turned car back again. “Child, don’t say so, which mom doesn’t love child, she must have difficulties, she…” “I know.” I wiped tears, smiling nodded. “I believe, Mom is always person loves me most, I also love Mom most.” “Besides, no matter what Mom did, I am okay.” Driver red eyes, repeatedly praised me good child. I disapproved. If I really good child… Mom wouldn’t see me so painful. Dad wouldn’t scold me liar again and again, say I have inferior genes in bone, say I can’t compare to stepsister no blood relation with him again and again. Even more wouldn’t no one come attend my parent meeting. Uncle gratified nodded, chatted about me going seaside again. Afraid discovered my real purpose, I told a small lie, said friend waiting me. He believed, put me down at location. Also gave me an apple. “Today Christmas Eve, eat apple safe and sound, girl, life is long, wait you grow up will find life has no hurdle can’t pass, know?” I bit apple, nodded heavily, lied again. “I will study hard, love myself well.” Driver uncle praised me smart, I waved to him. Watching him gradually far, conveniently finished apple, I then slowly stood up walked towards seaside. Walked to beach, water over ankle, father sent message. [Luna, did you go find your mom again, really natural born bitch seed, feed what also not familiar, only know turn elbow out!] [Since you like your mom so much, then don’t come back, me and your stepmom Harper go out eat, home locked, don’t come back!] [If you dare come back, not punish you kneel small shrine, but break your legs.] [Saw my message not, where are you, I command you reply immediately!] I didn’t want reply, but accidentally answered his video call. Seeing me at seaside, his face immediately sank. “Luna, what you running to seaside for?” Chapter 2 I expressionless answered. “Preparing to die.” He thought I telling lie, angered by me. “Fine ah, if you have guts go die now!” “Die I will even look you high one glance!” I hummed hung up phone, and sent an anonymous message to mom. [Goodbye.] Phone screen lit again. I didn’t look, threw into sea, plop jumped into sea. Water submerged nasal cavity, I seemed had a long dream. Mother in kitchen, cooking my favorite Sweet and Sour Ribs. Father diligently carving wood, carving our family of three. I look what father doing a while, run into kitchen ask mom when food ready a while. They said I am a little naughty ghost, scraped my nose. Food on table, father wood carving done, gave me as gift. I made wish before two-layer high cake. “Hope I can be this happy all life.” I accidentally read out birthday wish, amused dad mom laughing loud. I looked their faces, also followed laughing head back. Picture turned, I pulled by mother to villa back garden. Mountains and plains red dazzling roses. I excited scream. “Wow, Mom, why so many roses, where from ah, is it Dad sent?” Mother shy smile, scraped my nose. “Little smart ghost, this is 10th wedding anniversary gift Dad sent Mom.” “Later our Jojo want marry, also have to marry good man like Dad, then okay, know?” Looking mother heartfelt smile on face, I also followed smile. “Yes, Jojo later want marry man like Dad.” That afternoon, I pestered mom tell me story meeting dad. They childhood sweethearts, confirmed relationship in college. An accidental car accident, grandparents and victim passed away together. Dad because compensation victim, burdened hundreds thousands debt. To pay debt, he sold family only old house, since then penniless. After graduation, junior year father researched a program, urgent need money. Mother persuaded grandma grandpa, sold house gather money. Pity program not up, money all lost, grandpa heart attack gone, grandma stroke hospitalized. Most difficult time, father thought suicide, was mother supporting this home. Under mother encouragement, father regrouped, wind rose again. Since then, father career soared straight up, bigger and bigger. He unlike other sudden rich men keep mistress outside, instead better and better to mother and me. His phone no password, shares some transferred to mother, as long as holiday will stay home. To me, even more what want give what. He said I will be his only daughter. Our family three so good before, how parents no longer love, mother also don’t want me? I really can’t understand. Just pity. I no chance think understand. Trance, seemed someone talking to me. “Girl, girl, hold on ah.” “You so young, absolutely can’t die ah!” I struggled want open eyes, can’t open no matter how. Open eyes again, I floated to mother side. She lonely sat bed side, eyes unblinking staring message I sent, muttering to self. “What she mean, threatening me?” “I replied question mark, why not reply me? Could it be she really want suicide?” “No, she just mind deep, bully soft fear hard, no conscience, her heart only glory wealth, follow her dad don’t know how good live, how possible bear suicide!” Glory wealth? I touched chin serious recall three months following dad. Doing dirtiest work, eating least rice, sleeping least sleep, still beaten by people, not comparable to happiness with mom a bit. Such days, I don’t like at all. Mom didn’t hear my whisper, put down phone, while rubbing wrist, mouth reading want cook for Lily eat. Thinking mom skill comparable five star chef, my stomach grumbled once. Before jumping sea, although ate an apple, but punished kneel small shrine by dad, one day one night didn’t eat, still hungry. I bounce jump followed mom into kitchen, stood beside her watching her skillfully chop ribs. Even every chop used big strength, but eyes no fatigue. I stared mother demeanor, somewhat dazed, like back childhood. That time mother busy in kitchen, I eating snacks secretly watching her. “Jojo loves sugar, sweet sour ribs need add more sugar, she dislikes sesame, sesame not put.” “Besides sweet sour ribs, she also likes Roast Pork, need stew soft glutinous point.” I licked lips. So coincidence ah. I also love sweet sour ribs, also love roast pork, dislike add sesame… Same taste as Lily. Mother made another Braised Eggplant and Candied Sweet Potato, gathered four dishes then served table, called Lily eat. She happy da da da ran come, but seeing dishes on table smile gone. Mother detected wrong, asked her what wrong? Lily red eyes, tone extra wronged. “Mom, I don’t like eat sweet sour ribs, like braised, more dislike eat roast pork… last time I mentioned to you, why you forgot again…” Mother face flashed guilt, dryly said “Sorry”, want pour dishes re-cook. Lily grabbed her hand, eyes stubborn. “Is this that big sister favorite taste……? Mom… you actually never thought giving up big sister, you always missing her right!” Hearing this question, my heart involuntarily thump thump disorderly jump, unconsciously rose expectation again! Could it be like Lily said, mom actually always… “No, I didn’t.” “I just used to it.” She denied, forcefully hugged Lily into arms. “Jojo, mom adapt new life need time, many things, many habits, change need time, you have to believe mom, give mom point time okay?” “Anyway, mom this life only have you one daughter, no one can snatch.” Jojo satisfied hug back her. Watching this mother daughter harmonious scene, I touched heart. No uncomfortable like before, instead incomparably calm. Seem, I already slowly accepted fact mother no longer loves me, no longer indulge in past. Just then, mother phone rang. She accidentally clicked speaker, police serious voice sounded. “Hello, ask is Ms. Penelope?” A bad premonition ignited, mother supported table hold on, replied “I am”. Hearing affirmative answer, police subconsciously replied “Rest in peace” first then slowly narrated. “Just now, kind person called police, said your daughter jumped sea.” “Impossible, she is faking death, this little girl mind many very!” Mother pinched phone tight, cold face interrupted. “No, mom, I didn’t fake death, also no mind……” “Clearly before you praised me cutest, most kind innocent cute, why say I have mind ne!” I anxious explain to mother pounce her, but body passed through her. Looking transparent hand. I then suddenly remembered. I already died. Explain again, mother also can’t hear. She hates me more. I somewhat sad scratched hair, squatted in corner. Police thought she sad dare not accept truth, continued. “Kind person is driver drove your daughter to seaside afternoon, felt your daughter wrong, turned back save her, your child fished up sent hospital.” “But on road, she rescue invalid gone. You quickly go Third People Hospital morgue identify body.” Hearing these words, mother like pumped away strength, fell on ground. Phone clattered fell floor, police voice echoed in quiet space. “We contacted child father, he insisted say we liars, threw big temper, can you contact him come?” Mentioning father, mother numb eyes had reaction. She like stress, replied “Not familiar” then hung up. Police voice disappeared, replaced by Lily sobbing sound. She scared face pale, pounced mother arms, trembling said: “Mom…… this afternoon when sister came… I said words shouldn’t say… could she be listened me……” “No!” Mother pale face interrupted. Lily deaf ear, like drowned by guilt, mouth didn’t stop. “But I said let her go die… also said let her later don’t pester mom.” “Sister didn’t angry, even gave neck jade plaque to me, blessed me safe, also gave me a small notebook, on it recorded mom favorite things, she also……” “Enough, don’t say!” “I said all irrelevant to you, why you still say!” “You insist force me death, then happy?” Mother tore throat, face hideous interrupted. Lily scared by her ear piercing voice, open mouth dare not speak again, wronged look at her. Realizing self extreme, mother said “Sorry”, went Lily room took jade plaque and notebook, out gate, straight to car parked in garage. On way hospital, I always sat passenger seat turning head staring her face. I want see if she will cry for me. But stared my eyes sour, mother not a drop tear shed. She always looked front don’t know thinking what, lost soul. Have few times, clearly red light should stop, she still one foot gas went. Hospital gate, big truck straight go, she right turn almost crashed. I scared scream, let mom stop. Lucky brake timely, then escaped disaster. Truck driver same scared jump, poked head scold her. “Is family dead person, or rushing reincarnate, life don’t want?” I thought mother won’t care, but she lost control opened door scold back. “Go your mom, mouth clean point, your family then died person……” She said end, suddenly squatted cover face bitter cry. “Your… family… then died person!” “My family… people… all good!” Driver scolded “Neurotic”, one foot gas left. I stood behind mom, mood somewhat complex. Dear mom, are you sad for me? I want step forward hug her, want tell her is myself decided go die, don’t sad. And I died, more relaxed. Just like now, can still follow her side. She can’t see, I won’t cause burden. She already stood up wiped tears, entered car one foot gas drove into hospital. Hospital morgue, driver uncle carried me before didn’t leave. He wet all over, eye rims red. Knew woman dressed magnificent front is my mom, he red eyes excited pointed her scold. “You this mom how so cruel, same are your daughters, why you favor one over other?” He pulled her hand, dragged her to me, pointed scabbed wounds. “Which family girl like her, whole body whip marks, no place good meat, this how painful ah!” Mother gently pushed up my clothes. Looking new wounds old wounds at belly, boom sound paralyzed on ground. “No… how like this?” Driver uncle sneered, raised my right hand again, ring finger and index finger present strange twisted shape. “Look right hand, just now doctor said, this is smashed broken by someone hit by hit!” “Also right leg, comminuted fracture!” He pointed my dirty terrible school uniform jacket again. “What kind child, looks pretty, wears dirty, full body wounds, what life she lives ah!” “This child like this, in car still said you are good mom, she loves you.” “Do you know, me and my wife to want a child, till now still doing IVF, you have such good, such obedient girl, why not cherish, why not treat her well?” He cried too devoted, caused doctors passersby at door all red eyes, pointing at mother. Listening their accusing words, I anxious turn circles. Hurt me, harm me is my dad, what relation with mom, not her business ah…… Seeing more and more people accuse mother, I guilty extreme. If I die another day. Will they not anger mother. I ran to mother side, low voice said “Sorry.” Mother very strange. She didn’t angry because accusation, instead incomparable serious promised to people claiming justice for me: “You right, I didn’t do well what a mother should do.” “I will figure out what happened to daughter, will revenge people bullied her.” “But now, I need space alone with her, can you go out?” Crowd even angry again also shut mouth, driver uncle closed door. I thought mother had words say to me, but she wordless just stared me. Half hour, one hour, two hours… two half hours…… Until dawn. She stood up also just kissed my forehead, nothing said. After this day, she side prepared my funeral, side asked private detective find reason I injured. Three days later, she got evidence straight to father company.

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Year-end bonus arrived, I bought a surprise gift for my boyfriend and mailed it to his company. FedEx showed delivered. But he never came to ask me. A day later, he finally sent a voice message: “…Baby, did you buy me a gift?” He asked with extreme hesitation. I suddenly felt like testing him. Half-jokingly asked back: “No, did someone buy you a gift?” He laughed it off: “Maybe someone else sent it, I’ll go ask other friends…” My heart went cold. …Ask others? Who else would send him couple rings? Chapter 1 Realizing something was wrong, I deliberately asked again: “What gift is it?” Caleb Sterling hemmed and hawed. “…Not anything valuable, just a pair of sneakers.” He lied again. My heart trembled. The call on that end had already hung up. Restless all day. I knew, things were definitely not simple. At night he came home, looking normal. As if he had forgotten what happened during the day. I deliberately mentioned: “Where are the sneakers? Let me see.” He froze for a moment: “What sneakers?” After reacting: “Ah sneakers, colleague bought them, wrote my contact info, things already returned.” Finished speaking, he deliberately changed the topic. “I’ll go shower first, talk later.” Entering the bathroom, he clutched his phone tightly in his hand. Until sleeping at night, he still kept his phone close. Screen used privacy film, couldn’t see anything. I endured anxiety, quietly waited for him to fall asleep. Finally heard slight snoring. I held my breath, like a thief, fished out his phone from under the pillow. Fingerprint unlock. Together for eight years, this was my first time checking his phone. Nothing in messages. I kept an eye out. Swiped up phone screen, immediately appeared recently used apps. Besides some commonly used ones. I saw an almost forgotten app, Snapchat. Ghost-driven opened it. Message box inside was cleared long ago. But I remembered, Snapchat chat records won’t be deleted with message box unless set otherwise. I typed “Ring” in the search bar. Sure enough, a recent chat record appeared. …Found it. I clicked in with trembling fingertips. Heart pained fiercely. After asking me in the morning, Caleb immediately found this woman nicknamed Bella. Because of my denial, he was certain the gift was sent by this woman. [Baby, gift arrived.] […What gift?] [Couple rings.] [What rings? What are you talking about?] Caleb didn’t reply for a long time. Maybe realized, these rings weren’t sent by Bella either. He started to cover up the lie. [My project ended got bonus, bought a pair of couple rings for you, it’s my gift to you.] Other side replied instantly: [Thanks hubby~] Also added a cute emoji. I felt dizzy looking at it, world spinning. Caleb really seemed to find a mistress outside. But few seconds later, I overturned this thought. Because I saw Bella’s avatar. That was a wedding photo. And the groom was exactly Caleb… They… already married? I am the mistress? Chapter 2 Sleepless all night. I didn’t rashly ask Caleb. Instead pretended to know nothing. After he went to work, I took leave from company. Directly went to the house address mentioned in their chat records. Standing at the door brewing for a long time, finally pressed the doorbell. Opening door was a five or six year old boy. He looked at me curiously, turned back called: “Mom… someone is here.” Heart almost jumped to throat. Bella finally appeared. Face not much different from wedding photo. Wearing loose loungewear, face without makeup. Belly slightly bulging, at least six months pregnant. Holding a handful of unfinished chives in hand. Just like a wife waiting for husband to come home. I moved my gaze down. Saw the diamond ring on her hand. Exactly one of the couple rings I sent to Caleb. “Excuse me… who are you looking for?” She looked blank, hugging son asked. Throat dry and astringent. I asked: “Do you know Caleb Sterling?” Bella hadn’t spoken yet. Boy aside chirped: “Caleb Sterling is my dad! Do you have business with my dad?” Bella immediately followed: “Caleb Sterling is my husband.” Instantly sky collapsed. I almost couldn’t stand. “…How long have you been married?” Bella frowned slightly: “You… are who?” “I…” Before I could speak, phone rang. Actually was Caleb. I pressed decline, he persevered, kept calling. Moment picking up, came Caleb’s gloomy voice. “Scarlett, leave my house right now!” I gritted teeth replied: “Why? I want to figure things out today!” “Whatever you want to know, I can tell you, don’t trouble Bella, she is pregnant with baby, if she gets agitated and hurts the fetus, you can’t afford this responsibility.” His voice full of threat. Made me incomparably strange. Bella opposite still looked blank. “Do you have business with my husband?” “He went to work, won’t be back until after seven.” “Are you friends? Why not stay for dinner, I made extra dishes.” She smiled full of gentleness. I felt like stabbed in face by a knife. Painful almost breathless. Indeed, she is pregnant, a pregnant woman. If accident happens, consequences serious. Don’t remember how I left. Just arrived downstairs, saw Caleb rushing like crazy. Only then knew, he saw me through room surveillance. “You… didn’t say anything to Bella right?” “She is pregnant, Scarlett, count I beg you, don’t trouble her okay?” “Anything come at me.” Face full of pleading. Tears almost forced out. To maintain last dignity, I said: “Talk back home.” Finally home. He plopped kneeling down, caught off guard. “Scarlett, I sorry you, scold me beat me fine, as long as you calm down!” “…So child really yours? Bella also really your wife?” He face covered with tears, trembling nodded. I almost couldn’t stand, asked him: “So, who exactly is the mistress between us?” Chapter 3 He silenced for a long time. Finally told me truth. We two together for eight years. He cheated with Bella in the second year. “That time you were sent by company to London for business trip year and half… we gathered less left more, I am a man, need solve physiological needs.” “Bella was intern in my company, she confessed to me first…” “First time I was drunk, took her as you, didn’t expect hit once, pregnant with Leo.” “You also know my parents urged tight, let me marry quickly. I knew you focused on career, and because your parents divorced, you fear marriage, I didn’t want force you… Bella pregnant then, so…” I simply wanted to laugh in anger. “So you married her?” He silently defaulted. “Scarlett, but I love you, to Bella just responsibility… you have to believe me!” He tightly grabbed my hand. Stomach felt nauseous, I pushed him away. Man in front too strange. I business trip London year and half. He video called me every day. Reported where he went, doing what. As long as holiday, he immediately flew to see me. I still remember, Valentine’s Day he took three days off. With 102 degree fever, didn’t sleep day and night, just to rush downstairs my apartment on Valentine’s Day, give me surprise. I can’t forget till now. His face pale, taking out prepared gift, saying love me look… But also in this year. He not only cheated, but also married another woman. Treated me as fool to cheat. Following full six years, his every overtime business trip, was returning to that small home. Beginning of this year, he and Bella had second child… Happiness I thought, actually more fragile than bubble. All fake. “Scarlett…” Caleb cried out of breath. “Beg you forgive me, I really can’t live without you!” I quietly looked at him, only felt ironic. “You still want be with me?” He nodded desperately. “Then what about your wife and kid?” “I already agreed with Bella, we are Open Marriage, she won’t manage my business.” “As long as you don’t find her, don’t trouble her, she won’t trouble us either.” I laughed. Fiercely threw off his hand. “Caleb Sterling, Qing Dynasty died long ago, you still want three wives four concubines?” “Get out!” I grabbed ashtray on table, smashed hard on ground. Then used all strength drove him out of house. He still begging bitterly outside. A while later, dry voice came from outside. He didn’t act anymore, said to me: “Scarlett, Leo has fever, can’t without dad accompany, I have to go over…” Immediately, outside completely silent. I only felt head heavy feet light. Sweated all over. Thermometer measured, actually fever to 104 degrees. Groggily, slept whole night. Woke up again, Caleb hadn’t returned. I thoroughly slept sober. Impossible sink in this triangle relationship anymore, I want clear relationship with Caleb completely. Recalling Bella’s Snapchat ID. I actively added her friend. Straight to point said: [Do you know Caleb Sterling stepping two boats? Let’s meet.] Long time later, Bella replied: [Okay.] I went to her house again. This time, I let Bella unplug surveillance once enter door. I didn’t want hide from Bella. Told her whole story. “We both kept in dark, both victims, so let’s join hands, must make scum pay price!” Bella listened quietly, face expression bland. “Finished?” “Scarlett, you really think I don’t know your existence?” Chapter 4 That instant, my scalp numb. Bella smiled weirdly at me. “Your relationship, I knew long ago.” “Then you…” “Now Caleb is my husband, no matter when you together, you are mistress.” “Woman he loves most is me, we are legal couple, why should I help you deal with my husband?” I dumbfounded. “But he stepping two boats!” She laughed. “He continue entangle with you, also for our family.” “…What meaning?” “You wouldn’t really think he still likes you right?” “He with you, just coaxing you, aiming for your dad’s company cooperation business, frankly speaking, just for your dad’s resources.” “Oh right, also, now I pregnant, he heartaches me, afraid hurt me, can’t touch me, can only play you this free one.” She smiled brilliantly at me. “Speaking of which I have to thank you, help me serve my husband, so he won’t go outside find those dirty goods.” I simply couldn’t believe my ears. Bella face expression more and more hideous. “No matter how he plays with you outside, I just need know, he loves me most, loves our family most enough.” “Scarlett, you are the thorough fool.” “Five years ago you car accident, stayed in ICU one month, he said important project business trip, actually accompanying me waiting delivery, accompanying me every day, he personally stewed soup for me, wiped body, washed feet.” “Three years ago you pregnant, finally miscarriage, you sad half life almost gone, actually not accident at all, was me let Caleb add Mifepristone in your water!” “Oh also year ago, he borrowed fifty thousand from you, said lend brother startup, actually not at all, but paid down payment for our new house, this house bought with your money.” Bella voice sharper and sharper. “You are just a blood bag he raised, Scarlett, you are the most pathetic person!” Anger overflowed chest, I almost crazy. Raised hand want slap her. Leo aside suddenly rushed over. Kicked and beat my leg. “Old witch, not allowed bully mom!” “I tell dad, let dad fix you!” I bound hands feet. This moment, Bella actually rushed at me like crazy. “Scarlett, be sensible hurry leave Caleb! We are family!” “Caleb off work soon, you hurry get out! Don’t delay our family three parent-child time!” I stumbled few times, pushed out door by her. After anger was deep despair. Body couldn’t stop cold sweat. High fever not fully retreated. Eyes rolled back, I fainted. Open eyes again, I lay in hospital bed. Sky dark. Phone had message from Caleb. [Scarlett, company business today, I come back later.] He reported to me like usual. As if nothing happened. My heart thoroughly cold. Half day later, phone message reminded. On Snapchat, Bella sent few photos. Today is Leo birthday. Their family celebrating for Leo at home. Not only Caleb and Bella. Also Caleb’s family, and his best childhood friends. Turns out… everyone knew their relationship. Only me kept in dark. Treated as fool to cheat. Body shaking uncontrollably. I collapsed crying loud. Prepared thoroughly showdown breakup with Caleb. But Caleb didn’t return whole night. Next day, I went to company with black eye circles and weak body. Just sat at desk. Outside actually came noise of big quarrel. I didn’t expect, actually was Bella…

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Bored on the Amtrak home, I scrolled to a help post on Reddit: [Mistress is pregnant with a boy, I want to take her back to my hometown to meet the family, how can I send my wife away?] The top comment was extremely vicious: [Just say the psychic said the wife’s horoscope clashes with the family this year, going home for holidays will offend ancestors and the God of Wealth, let her go back to her own mom.] I shook my head reading it, this man really is a piece of trash, using such a lame excuse. Phone vibrated, husband sent a voice message, tone anxious: “Shelby, Mom just found a psychic, said your horoscope is hard this year, going home for holidays will curse the whole family,” “Especially will clash with our family’s fortune, you sacrifice for a few days, stay in a hotel okay?” Before I could refute, a TikTok video just posted by my mother-in-law popped up on my phone. In the video, my husband carefully supported a woman with a big belly into the door, face full of smiles. The caption read: [Finally waiting for my big grandson! Golden grandson enters, sweep away bad luck!] … Chapter 1 On the phone, my mother-in-law’s TikTok likes and comments were still jumping. [Is she wearing the Limited Edition Victoria’s Secret pajamas?] [Envy, this mother-in-law treats daughter-in-law so well!] I didn’t believe in evil, hailed an Uber, dragged my suitcase and killed my way back home directly. Just arrived downstairs, I saw Julian Mills’s car. Shouldn’t he be busy with year-end inventory at the company? I dialed Julian’s number, rang for a long time, he finally picked up. “Didn’t I say? Mom calculated you can’t come back this year.” “Will clash with fortune, you stay in hotel first, talk after holidays.” I gripped the suitcase handle, metal hurt my palm. I said to my own front door: “Julian, I am right at the door.” Phone went silent. Few seconds later, door “click” opened a narrow gap. Julian appeared behind door, squeezed a stiff smile: “Wifey, why you… arrived so fast.” I ignored him, looked over his shoulder inside. On living room sofa, my mother-in-law was diligently feeding fruit to a pregnant woman. That woman’s belly bulged high, wearing on her body, Was exactly the limited edition pajamas I bought last month, reluctant to wear even once. She is the mother of that golden grandson in mother-in-law’s TikTok. I was blocked by husband at my own door. Mother-in-law saw me, smile on face instantly disappeared, Apple in hand “Bang” smashed on coffee table. “Ouch, Shelby is back! Quick stand at door, don’t move!” Mother-in-law pulled an ugly smile on face, but hands protected that pregnant woman’s belly. “You just got off train, full of dust, didn’t even tell family.” “Psychic said you offend Mercury Retrograde this year, will flush away family’s God of Wealth!” “You stand there, don’t bring bad luck in!” That pregnant woman shrank behind mother-in-law, “Auntie, all my fault, I better go.” “Don’t make sister unhappy because of me and baby.” “Go where you go!” Mother-in-law shielded her behind, glaring at me. “What you carry is our Mills family’s three generations single pass root! Precious!” “Can’t break in my hands.” Julian saw my face pale, hurried step forward. “Wifey, don’t calculate with Mom, she just wants grandson too much.” He lowered voice, leaned to my ear: “Just treat… treat as helping me a favor okay?” “Whitney alone, helpless, where can she go?” I threw off his hand, staring at his eyes asked: “Julian Mills, child in her belly, is it yours?” Chapter 2 Julian panicked, stammering explained: “Listen to me, this is… this is my distant cousin.” “Family met disaster, come, come to seek refuge, don’t think too much…” He said while looking at his mom. Mother-in-law answered for him, “So what if it is! Our Mills family three generations single pass, can’t break root here!” “Shelby, if you sensible, should know this family no descendant.” “I go down no face see ancestors!” She sized me up. “Since you can’t give birth yourself, should actively give way, don’t occupy latrine not shit!” I trembled all over, nails pinched a row of blood red crescents in palm. Bypassed Julian, I rushed straight in. Mother-in-law saw can’t stop, sat on floor, patted thigh howled: “No justice ah! This woman heart vicious, want harm my golden grandson ah!” Julian turned back roared at me: “Shelby have you troubled enough!” I looked at them one patting thigh, one covering belly, one red eyes staring me, Suddenly laughed. I put suitcase aside, pulled mouth corner. “Fine ah, isn’t it afraid I clash fortune?” “Then you say, what to do?” Mother-in-law crying stopped abruptly, Exchanged a look with Julian, eyes flashed a trace calculation. She climbed up from ground, pointed at door: “Go, wipe our home from inside out with Sage Water for me!” “Especially main door threshold, place golden grandson stepped over entering.” “You have to kneel on floor wipe, wipe all bad luck clean!” I lowered eyelids, whispered: “Okay, I wipe.” I knelt at door, knees on cold marble, came a burst dull pain. Sage water bitter and astringent, splashed on back of my hand, Skin immediately rose a patch red rash, itchy and painful. I lowered head, inch by inch wiped threshold. Behind came Whitney’s voice: “Auntie, this Bird’s Nest Soup so sweet, thank you Auntie.” That was what I specially drove to specialty store before business trip, Queued half hour to buy for mother-in-law to supplement body. Mother-in-law smiled eyes unseen: “Ouch, my good granddaughter-in-law, eat more if you like! Million don’t be polite!” She paused, raised voice. “Unlike some people ah, self is a hen don’t lay eggs, still want people serve!” Julian walked over holding empty bowl, I subconsciously looked up, thought he wanted help me up. Result he walked around me without looking sideways, gently said to Whitney: “Baby, finish eat I serve you another bowl.” He heavily stepped over the threshold I just wiped clean, leaving a dazzling shoe print. “Aiya, how you wipe floor? So dirty!” Mother-in-law shouted, “Re-wipe! Use some strength!” My knees already numb, supported door frame wanted stand up relieve. “Kneel wipe!” Mother-in-law kicked on back of my hand. “Master said, must kneel wipe to show sincerity, to remove bad luck!” I stumbled, knelt on ground again, palm rubbed rough ground, burning pain. In living room, Julian was picking up apple, peeling for Whitney. He never peeled fruit for me once, always said too troublesome. That pair hands, clearly yesterday still sending me message: “Wifey hard work, go home early, I miss you so much.” I looked up saw blank on wall, That wedding photo said to hang for lifetime gone. Replaced by, a picture of Guanyin Sending Children. “Daze what! Hurry!” Mother-in-law urged. “Finish wiping floor, go clean up guest room again, my golden grandson will live there.” Guest room mother-in-law said is my home office. Inside has all my client data, project contracts and work computer, Half of company’s core data all inside. “That is place I work.” My voice hoarse. “What work not work, golden grandson about to be born.” “Nothing more important than my precious golden grandson!” Mother-in-law rolled eyes. “Those rubbish of yours, hurry throw out for me!” Julian walked over, he looked at me, brows tight locked. “Shelby, you just move first, put things in storage room temporarily.” “Whitney body heavy, child also need a sunny room.” I obediently nodded. “Okay, I go clean now.” I walked into master bedroom, closed door, Gaze swept that locked old iron box on top of bookcase. I remembered, second year of marriage I wanted open look, Julian grabbed it away, said inside is his youth. His flushed face then, was guilty conscience. I dug out spare key from deepest drawer, Hand shaking almost couldn’t aim keyhole, “Click”, box opened. Only a stack of diagnosis reports. Bold words like branding iron burned my eyes, Date, was half year before we married. I clutched report dead in hand, nails almost embedded into palm. So that’s it, so that’s it! Chapter 3 I took out a micro Voice Recorder from my purse, stuck it in the most hidden corner under desk. Done all this, I then slowly picked up a stack of files, pretending moving out. Julian saw me sensible, said to me: “Shelby, I know you aggrieved, but now is for family’s next generation.” “You just treat as temporary sacrifice.” Again sensible. Me and him married five years, everything thought for him, sacrificed for him, Exchanged is today kneeling on ground, scrubbing bad luck for him. I just walked out door, heard Julian turned head gently coaxed Whitney: “Baby don’t angry, wait few days company that money arrive.” “We go re-take wedding photos, hang on wall.” “That old one, should thrown long ago.” Whitney shyly leaned on his shoulder: “That so embarrassing, will sister be unhappy if know?” “Her?” Julian sneered. “A woman can’t give birth, keeping occupy place is good enough.” “Wait get money, give her a sum compensation send away just fine.” I just put files at storage room door, mother-in-law took out a document, slapped in front of me. “Sign!” I looked down——《Agreement on Voluntary Waiver of Marital Joint Property》. “Mom, what does this mean?” My voice trembling. “What mean?” Mother-in-law arms crossed. “You can’t birth son, based on what share our Mills family property?” “Whitney belly carries our Mills family blood!” “This house, car, company, later all my golden grandson’s!” Julian smoking aside, smoke curling, Couldn’t see his expression clearly, but he didn’t oppose. I looked at that agreement, wrote on it, “Shelby voluntarily gives up all joint property after marriage…” “I won’t sign.” “Not sign?” Mother-in-law took out phone, found video she secretly filmed me kneeling wiping door. “Then I send your look like this to your company group! Send to all your clients!” “Let them all see, President Xie they cooperate with, how serves mistress at home!” My face instantly pale. Company next week want sign with biggest client, At this juncture, if my reputation damaged, tens of millions contract will bubble. Julian extinguished cigarette at this time, opened mouth: “Shelby, you just sign.” “I won’t let you leave with nothing, isn’t that old broken small apartment still under your name?” “Enough for you to live.” “You a woman, want so much money for what? Behave yourself, good for everyone.” I looked at him. Five years ago, when he knelt in rain begging me forgive his startup failure, didn’t say so. That time, was me took out dowry my mom left me, accompany him rise again. Now, he let me sign, roll out home we fought together. My hand, tremblingly picked up pen. Mother-in-law eyes all bright. Whitney covered mouth, smile in eyes couldn’t hide. They want use a bastard, force me sign, force me leave with nothing. I suddenly laughed, walked to door, grabbed that half bucket Sage Water, Turned, towards those few people on sofa, splashed over! “Splash——!” World quiet instant, followed by piercing scream. “Ah——!” Mother-in-law and Whitney splashed right on, soaked all over, Sage leaves stuck on their hair and face. “Rebel! Rebel! You this poison woman!” Mother-in-law angry whole body trembling, pointing me. Whitney even screamed, covering belly want fall on ground: “Ouch… my belly… so painful… Julian, save me… save our child…” Chapter 4 Julian wiped dirty water on face, recovered spirit, A arrow step rushed over hugged Whitney, turned back roared at me: “Shelby! You crazy! She has child in belly! You want kill people!” I threw away bucket, bucket rolled few rounds on ground, “Oops, hand slipped.” “She belly pain, not go hospital, shout what here? Insurance Fraud to home?” “You… you…” Julian blocked by me speechless, could only hug Whitney constantly comfort. Mother-in-law jumped from sofa, teeth dance claws pounce towards me, raised hand want slap me. I dodged sideways, backhand grabbed her wrist, force threw. She stumbled, hit on wall, pain teeth grin mouth. “Enough!” Julian hugging still moaning Whitney, roared at me. “Shelby, what exactly you want do! Must turn this home sky flip earth over?” “Is I want turn?” I laughed out sound. “Julian, brought mistress home, forced me kneel wipe door, forced me sign give up property agreement, is you guys!” “Rob my office, want cut my career, want me leave with nothing, is you guys!” “Now, you guys instead ask me want do what?” Julian eyes dodged, but thought of that money, tone tough again. “Company money, you must transfer to me!” He dead stared me. Arrived this step, he heart heart miss, still money. Julian deep breath, pulled me aside, lowered voice: “Shelby, this matter concerns our company life death.” “That 3 million balance payment next week, can’t have any mistake.” “Master my mom found said, your wealth star dim this year, money touched will become dead money.” “If this money passed your hand, business definitely yellow! Company will bankrupt!” He paused, added a sentence. “Master also said, this money only I this golden grandson father personally handle, can wealth source rolling!” “You be sensible, for our family!” This is their real purpose today. “Julian said right! You this broom star (bad luck), hurry hand over money!” Mother-in-law also didn’t care embarrassed, rushed over help voice. I looked at Julian, that man once promised protect me lifetime, At this moment his face, only greed and impatience. I flipped out work computer. In front of them, logged in company online banking. Julian and mother-in-law eyes instantly bright, dead stared that long string numbers on screen. In their expectant gaze, I fiercely closed laptop, Used whole body strength, smashed it on living room floor tile! “Crash——!” Computer shell shattered, screen instantly black, parts splashed. “Shelby! Are you fucking sick!” Julian roared, pounced over save computer wreckage. I looked at furious husband, calmly took out phone, “Ledger and client data, I have cloud backup in phone.” “Money, you don’t think get a cent.” Julian movement stagnated, he looked up, eyes complex looking me. “Company account is Joint Account, need two people present same time, to change authority or large transfer.” I continued say, threw out my condition. “You want money, can.” “Either, tomorrow go bank together, we cut clean.” “Or, everyone just consume like this, no one think move that money.” “Company bankrupt, we go on dishonesty list together.” Julian dead stared me, muscle on face twitched because anger. Long time, he squeezed a word from teeth gap: “Good.”

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I bought an RV and parked it right below the office building just so I could get a decent nap during my lunch break. One of my male coworkers from the department walked up to me and stuck out his hand for the keys: “Look, you’re working all afternoon anyway. Leaving the van sitting there is just a waste of resources. Why don’t you give me the keys?” “My girlfriend and I have nowhere to go for some privacy. We’re colleagues, right? You wouldn’t say no to a small favor like this? People who are too selfish don’t last long in this industry.” I was so angry I actually started laughing. I paid for that van in full with my own money. I pay for the gas. And now, suddenly, it’s supposed to be the company’s public lounge? I’m about to find out exactly who isn’t going to “last long” around here. 1 Looking at my phone screen, I smirked. I re-read the text. Caleb was the “old grease” of our department—a guy who lived for petty handouts. He’d piggyback on your Starbucks order to get the discount but never pay you back, or ask you to carry his heavy Amazon packages up because “you were going that way anyway.” I texted back: “Do you even know how much that rig cost? You’ve got a lot of nerve asking.” Caleb’s reply came instantly. “Oh, come on, Avery. Don’t be like that. We’re friends, aren’t we?” “A vehicle is just a tool for transportation. It depreciates whether you use it or not.” “I’m just trying to help you maximize your resources.” “Besides, me and my girl just want to lay down for an hour. It’s not like I’m driving it away.” “We sit in the same office every day. You’re really not going to give me this much face?” I slammed my phone face down on the desk. Less than two minutes later, Caleb sauntered over to my cubicle. He held a Yeti tumbler with the company logo on it and gave me a crooked grin. “Hey, Avery. About what we talked about on text… what do you think?” He raised his voice, making sure it carried. A few coworkers nearby lifted their heads to watch. “My girlfriend’s been feeling under the weather lately. Slumping over a desk at noon is killing her back.” “Think of it as a good deed. What’s the harm in letting us use the keys for two hours?” I spun my chair around and stared him down. “Caleb, your girlfriend’s health is your problem. What does it have to do with me?” “If I’m going to do a ‘good deed,’ it won’t be for someone like you.” “The van is my private property. The answer is no. Do you understand English?” The smile on Caleb’s face froze. He slammed his tumbler onto my desk with a loud thud. “Avery Smith, don’t be so stuck-up. We’re coworkers. We have to see each other every day.” “You think you’re better than everyone just because you could afford an RV? You think money gives you the right to look down on us?” “Everyone, listen to this! I just asked for a place to nap at lunch, and she’s acting like I asked for her kidney!” “Her van just sits there empty. Why is it so hard for her to be a decent human being?” A few colleagues started whispering. “Honestly, Avery, it wouldn’t hurt to let him use it. You’re working anyway.” “Yeah, Caleb’s not a stranger. It’s just so everyone can be more refreshed for work.” “Young people should be more generous. Don’t ruin the office vibe over something small.” I pulled out my phone, opened the photo of my purchase contract, and shoved the screen in Caleb’s face. “Look closely. $85,000 cash. With the interior mods, it’s over $100k.” “Every cent of that came from my parents because they didn’t want me exhausted at work. It has zero to do with this company.” “You want a place to sleep? Great. Go buy your own rig. Sleep however you want.” “And stop trying to guilt-trip me with this ‘colleague’ crap. It’s not working.” Caleb pointed a shaking finger at my nose. “Fine, Avery. You’re rich, you’re the boss. Whatever.” “We’ll see how long a selfish person like you lasts in this office!” He grabbed his tumbler and stormed off, kicking a trash can on his way out. 2 As soon as the afternoon shift started, I was called into the office by the HR Manager, Brenda. She sat there with a cold face, tapping a pen on her desk. “Avery, I’ve had reports from staff. Apparently, you’ve parked a large recreational vehicle downstairs.” “People are saying it’s too big, it’s ruining the company’s professional image and messing up the parking flow.” “And napping in a van during the day… it doesn’t look good for us.” “Even though lunch is your own time, you need to think about the optics.” I reached into my bag and pulled out a document. “Brenda, first of all, the parking lot downstairs is managed by the building’s property management, not the company.” “This is a long-term lease I signed with them. I have a designated, private spot.” “I specifically chose a corner spot so I wouldn’t block anyone. And where I sleep at noon is my business. The Department of Labor doesn’t mandate that employees have to sleep face-down on their keyboards, does it?” Brenda took the contract. The official notary stamp was hard to miss. Her expression shifted. “Well… the contract is fine, but this is a workplace…” “Caleb mentioned that your van is causing ‘internal friction.’ People feel like you’re flaunting your wealth, making yourself out to be special.” “How about this? Move the van, or hand the keys over to HR for safekeeping.” “That way, if a colleague has a special need to rest, they can apply to use it.” I almost laughed out loud. “Brenda, that van is my personal asset, not a company perk.” “You want me to turn my private vehicle into a communal asset? Does that sound legal to you?” “If you think I’m flaunting wealth, are the executives downstairs going to donate their Porsches and Teslas too?” “If Caleb feels it’s unfair, tell him to go rent a spot and buy a tent. I don’t care.” Brenda was speechless. She finally waved me out. “Fine, fine. If the paperwork is legal, I can’t stop you. Just… try to be a team player.” I walked out of HR and ran into Caleb at the coffee station. He dodged my eyes for a second. I stood next to him and fixed a coffee. Caleb scoffed. “Think you’re hot stuff because you have a key?” “Everyone’s been in a nice car before. Let’s see how long you can keep up this act.” “A van sitting out there in the sun… it’d be a shame if it got scratched or dented.” “The repair bill would probably cost more than your monthly salary, right?” I turned, looked him dead in the eye, and dropped my spoon into the cup. “Caleb, if you so much as touch my van, I’m calling the cops.” “I’ll settle every old score and new grudge at once. We’ll see who ends up in the dirt.” Caleb pulled his neck back like a turtle. But he wouldn’t back down. “Who wants to touch your trashy van? Psycho.” He scurried back to his desk. 3 Caleb didn’t confront me again. But I felt his eyes on me constantly. Every time I looked up, he’d snap his head back to his monitor, pretending to work. Wednesday at noon, I went down to the van as usual. Shortly after I lay down, I heard movement outside. I peeled back the curtain a fraction of an inch. Caleb was circling my van. He was on the phone, his voice hushed. “Yeah, babe, just hang in there. I’m working on it.” “The girl is too stingy. Won’t budge.” “It’s fine. The locks on these things aren’t that great. I’ll figure it out.” He walked to the driver-side door and tugged the handle. When it didn’t open, he pressed his face against the glass, his fingers picking at the trim. I grabbed my key fob and hit the Panic button. The alarm blared through the parking garage. Caleb jumped back a good five feet, looking around wildly. I pushed the door open and stood on the steps, looking down at him. “Caleb? What are you doing lurking around my car?” “Planning to boost it? There are cameras everywhere. You really want to do a stint in county jail?” Caleb froze, then his face turned a deep, blotchy red. He squared his shoulders. “Who’s stealing? Don’t go throwing accusations around!” “I was just walking by. Can’t a guy look? Do you own the pavement now?” “Besides, you’re the one trying to give me a heart attack with that alarm!” I hopped down, crossing my arms. “Walking by? You were pulling that handle pretty hard for a ‘passerby.’” “What, were you hoping for a miracle? That it would just pop open for you?” “I’m warning you, stay away from my van. If I find a single scratch on it, it’s coming out of your hide.” Caught red-handed, Caleb’s face turned even darker. He pointed at me, stuttering. “Fine. You think you’re so tough.” “You think you can guard this thing 24/7? Good luck.” He turned and bolted. 4 Back at the office, he started playing the victim. He was sighing loudly among a group of female coworkers. “I don’t know what to do. My girlfriend has such bad cramps today, she can barely stand.” “I just wanted a place for her to lie down and have some hot tea.” “Avery is just so cold-blooded. She watches people suffer and does nothing.” “It’s not like I wouldn’t pay. Am I the type of guy to take advantage of people?” The women started chiming in. “Wait, her cramps are that bad? Poor thing.” “Avery really is being a bit much. It’s a huge van. One hour wouldn’t hurt.” “Exactly. We’re all women here. Where’s the empathy?” I walked in and felt the daggers in their eyes. One woman spoke up. “Avery, we heard about your RV. Must be nice.” “But we shouldn’t be so selfish. Caleb’s girlfriend is really struggling.” “Just do a good deed for once. Let them use it. Everyone would appreciate it.” I threw my bag on the desk and scanned the room. “Are you the parking police? Or my accountant?” “If his girlfriend is in that much pain, he should take her to the ER, not my van.” “Is my van a hospital now? Does lying down in it cure medical conditions?” “If you guys are so empathetic, why don’t you let her lie down at your desks? Or better yet, why don’t you all chip in and get her a suite at the Four Seasons? I won’t stop you.” Silence. Caleb walked over and pulled a ten-dollar bill from his pocket. “Avery, I know you think I’m a free-loader.” “Fine. Here. Take it. Consider it rent.” “Ten bucks for a ‘cleaning fee.’ Me and my girl just need one hour.” “Now you have nothing to complain about. We’re colleagues. Don’t push things too far.” I swiped the bill off my desk and let it flutter to the floor without looking at it. “Caleb, take that ten dollars and go buy yourself some Gatorade. You clearly need to hydrate your brain.” “The van is not for rent. Not for any price.” “If you harass me one more time, I’m asking the boss for a desk move.” Caleb stared at the money on the floor. His expression turned ugly. He knelt down, picked it up, and hissed under his breath. “Stingy bitch. Someone’s gonna wreck that trashy van of yours eventually.” It was quiet, but I heard it. 5 That evening, I found a pile of trash dumped next to my front tire. And there it was—a long, jagged scratch across the door. It caught the light perfectly. I knew it was him. I took a deep breath. I didn’t blow up in the group chat. Instead, I went on Amazon and ordered a high-end hidden camera system. I installed it inside the cabinet trim, angled perfectly toward the door and the bed area. I even hooked it up to a backup battery. As I checked the live feed on my phone, I let out a cold laugh. “Caleb, if you’d stayed in your lane, I would’ve let this go.” “But if you really put your hands inside my home… I’m going to ruin you.” Friday afternoon, just before clock-out, I “accidentally” dropped a package. Caleb practically sprinted over to help me pick it up. “Oh, Avery, let me get that. You shouldn’t be doing the heavy lifting,” he said, beaming. “Listen, I’m sorry about my attitude the other day. Let’s not let it get between us, okay? We’re all here to work. No need for bad blood.” Looking at his fake smile, my heart sank, but I nodded. “Sure. Let’s move on.” Caleb’s eyes flickered with a strange glint. “By the way, we have a huge client coming in Monday. The boss wants you to prep the materials. You’ll probably have to run out to the industrial park in the suburbs to drop off some samples. I saw the admin sent the itinerary to your email.” I checked my inbox. There it was: a delivery task at an industrial park on the outskirts of town. It was a remote area, at least a three or four-hour round trip. The timing was tight—right in the middle of the Monday lunch hour. I caught Caleb out of the corner of my eye. He was looking at his phone, a tiny, triumphant smirk tugging at his lips.

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My best friend discovered her husband’s old flame a year after their wedding. The woman ruined her life. Left with nothing, she sank into a year-long depression. Visiting her, she clutched my hand, crying: “If I’d known, I would’ve died before marrying him.” When my father arranged my marriage, I researched Sean Blackwood thoroughly. Perfect reputation, no past lovers, clean break from exes. Only odd detail: the Blackwoods adopted a girl ten years ago, studying abroad since. My father brushed it off: “She’s just his adopted sister. They set up a trust fund for her at eighteen—enough to live comfortably abroad.” I married Sean. But on our third wedding anniversary night, he brought his adopted sister home. She timidly opened our bedroom door, wearing a thin white nightgown. “Brother, it’s so quiet here… I’m scared to be alone…” Sean sighed, got out of bed, and told me to go back to sleep. I sat alone in the dark for hours. Then I invited over a dozen models to throw a party at our home. 1 The sound of music and laughter was what finally drew Sean out of the guest room. “Get out!” His voice was deceptively calm, but it sent a chill down everyone’s spine. The handsome men scrambled away like frightened animals, leaving just the two of us in the vast living room. “What is the meaning of this?” Sean frowned, his gaze fixed on me. Behind him stood Lily, still wrapped in that scandalously short, white lace nightdress, her long hair framing a picture of delicate innocence. I lounged comfortably on the sofa, crossing my legs and swirling the wine in my glass. “Isn’t your little sister scared of being alone? I just found her some company.” Lily’s face went pale. “What do you take me for!” I smiled, a bright, sharp thing, and enunciated each word with chilling clarity. “A shameless little tramp trying to seduce her own brother.” Sean’s expression turned to ice. “Rebecca Pierce.” Lily’s eyes welled with tears, her body trembling with rage. “What right do you have to talk to me! Everyone knows what a player you were! You’re a slut! If it weren’t for the marriage contract between our families, my brother would never have married a woman like you!” “Lily, that’s enough!” She froze, hurt flashing across her face before the tears began to fall. “You’re yelling at me? You’re yelling at me for her? Didn’t you hear how she insulted me? Fine, I’ll leave! I’ll leave right now!” The girl made a dramatic dash for the door, her pathetic excuse for a nightgown threatening to fall apart with every overwrought step. Sean’s frown deepened. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her back to her room before finally turning his attention back to me. “Go to bed.” I didn’t move, just watched him with a cold smile. He sighed, a note of exhaustion in his voice. “I’m tired, Rebecca. I’m really, really tired. Can we not do this right now?” “Did you hear what your sister called me?” “Lily’s young. She doesn’t always think before she speaks. I’ll apologize on her behalf.” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “She’s not wrong, though. It’s true. Our families are well-matched, this was a business merger, the contract was signed a long time ago. But I, Rebecca Pierce, was a player. I was never short on men, especially the handsome ones.” The warmth drained from Sean’s eyes, leaving them cold and hard. He pinned me against the sofa, his kiss a punishment, his voice a low growl. “Rebecca, need I remind you that you are now my wife?” I laughed, but my eyes were burning and my voice trembled despite my best efforts. “But don’t you forget! Who was the one who dragged me out of bars night after night? Who was the one who shamelessly declared himself my fiancé to every man who looked at me? Who was the one who begged and pleaded for me to marry him?” Sean pulled me into his arms, his voice softening. “It was me. It was always me. I couldn’t live without you.” I shoved him away and slammed the bedroom door shut. “Sean, it’s her or me. Get her out of this house by tomorrow.” The next morning. Lily, wearing one of Sean’s dress shirts, greeted me cheerfully at the dining table. “Hi, sister-in-law! Good morning!” I froze in place. 2 Sean, who hadn’t set foot in the kitchen once in our three years of marriage, was standing at the stove, wearing an apron and stirring a pot of soup. “You have to try this, Rebecca! Sean’s fish soup is the best. Whenever I’m feeling down, one sip of his soup makes everything better!” Yesterday she was calling me a slut; today she was beaming, showing off how indispensable Sean was to her. And Sean acted as if nothing had happened. “You’re awake? Come, sit.” I took a deep breath, fighting down the wave of rage and pain rising in my chest, and pulled out my phone. “Get my breakfast ready,” I snapped to my new assistant. “On my desk by nine. Sharp.” Without another glance, I turned and walked out. Behind me, I heard Lily’s whining complaint. “I was trying to be nice to her. What more does she want? Fine, don’t eat it. Sean made it for me anyway.” On the way to the office, I called my brother. “I want a divorce.” “Are you kidding me?” I clutched my handbag, my knuckles white. “I’m not kidding.” My brother sounded incredulous. “Did Sean… agree? He went through hell to marry you…” “His opinion doesn’t matter,” I cut him off. “I want a divorce.” “Alright. Give me a month. I’ll get everything ready for you.” I tossed my phone aside. On that humiliating morning, I had made my decision. I would let Sean have his manipulative little snake. After the morning meeting, a huge bouquet of my favorite yellow roses arrived from Sean. I gave them a cursory glance before handing them to my new assistant. “Here, they’re yours.” Then I pulled out a credit card and tucked it into his shirt pocket. “The breakfast was perfect. A little bonus for you.” The assistant smiled, accepting both gifts without a hint of hesitation. “Thank you, boss.” Sean watched him leave, his face a calm mask. Then he cornered me against my desk. “You know exactly how to push my buttons. Is this your idea of revenge?” 3 I scoffed. “If I wanted revenge, I wouldn’t have given him a credit card. It would have been the keys to my private villa.” Sean’s expression was weary. “I postponed a full day of meetings to come see you. Are you still angry?” He pulled me into an embrace. “Rebecca, what are you so angry about?” I almost laughed out loud. I had been seething all night, and he had no idea why? I held out my phone for him to see. It was a friend request from Lily. Her profile picture was new, taken just this morning. In it, she was still wearing Sean’s shirt, surrounded by a sea of yellow roses, her face cupped playfully in her hands. “The breakfast. You made it for her, not for me. We’ve been married for three years, and you’ve never once cooked.” “The flowers. You send me one bouquet, and she pesters you until she gets an entire field of them. Am I wrong?” Sean was silent for a moment before he spoke. “If this is what it’s about, I can cook for you tonight. I can send you…” “Enough!” I cut him off, my voice shaking with fury. “Sean, don’t you get it? Lily is crossing a line! And you, you’re letting her! You’re letting her run wild and destroy what we have!” He looked at me as if I were insane. “Rebecca, what are you talking about? She’s just my sister.” “I’m my brother’s sister too,” I retorted coldly. “But I don’t prance around his house in a nightgown that short. I don’t, as a grown woman, need him to tuck me in at night. And I certainly don’t leave a bite mark just below his collarbone.” Sean flinched, his hand instinctively going to his neck. “Did you think I didn’t see it last night?” He tried to laugh it off, a strained, frustrated sound. “She’s always been like that, ever since she was a kid. Like a puppy, always nipping at people.” I held up a hand. “Stop. I don’t want to hear about your past. And don’t you forget, she is not your real sister.” He paused. “She’s not. But please, don’t twist our relationship into something so sordid.” I laughed, a harsh, broken sound, and pushed him away. “Get. Out.” But a slow smile spread across Sean’s face. He leaned in close, his eyes dancing. “Rebecca, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you this jealous.” “I’ll talk to her. I’ll tell her to be more mindful of her actions.” “Don’t be angry anymore, please?” He knew exactly how to soothe me when I was spitting fire. I was about to say something, to give in, when his phone rang. The caller ID read: Lily. 4 Sean answered, murmuring a few distracted phrases into the phone. After hanging up, he took my hand. “I’ll call my parents and have her move back home.” His warm lips brushed against my ear. “Come home early tonight. What do you want to eat? This time, I’ll cook just for you.” My mind flashed back to the past. To him, pulling me out of a bar, his eyes red-rimmed. To the helpless, pleading look on his face as he asked, “Rebecca, what do I have to do to make you look at me, to just see me?” A lump formed in my throat. “Alright, Sean. I’ll trust you one more time.” “But if you lie to me again.” “I will never, ever forgive you.” He smiled, a genuine, relieved smile, and gently kissed my damp eyelids. “Rebecca, I have never lied to you.” That evening, I returned home to find Sean wasn’t back yet. Lily was sitting on the sofa, radiating resentment like a sullen ghost. “Why didn’t you accept my friend request?” I gave her a dismissive glance. “Why would I?” “What did you say to my brother?” she demanded, blocking my path. “Why is he making me move out?” I had no desire to engage with her. But she suddenly snapped, grabbing a vase and hurling it at me. The heavy glass crashed against my forehead, the impact making my ears ring. The thorns from the roses scraped bloody lines down my cheek and arm. Just then, the front door opened. Lily immediately snatched a shard of glass and pressed it to her own wrist, her voice rising in a hysterical, tear-choked scream. “I was just trying to apologize to you! Why are you doing this to me? Do you want me to die? Is that what it will take to make you happy?!” Sean’s eyes widened in horror. He rushed toward her, his face a mask of panic. “Lily!” “Brother…” she sobbed, shaking her head tragically. “I know… I’ve always been the extra one in this family. I won’t get in the way of your happiness anymore, I promise…” Blood welled up on her wrist. Sean’s face went white. I had never seen him so terrified. “Don’t say that! Brother will take you to the hospital.” He swept her into his arms. From beginning to end, he never even looked at me. I slid down the wall, slumping to the floor. It felt as though my heart had been carved out with that same shard of glass. 5 Sean returned late that night, looking utterly exhausted. He stood in the doorway of our bedroom, jacket in hand, frowning as he watched me pack a suitcase. “You’re leaving?” “What else would I do?” My barbed tone made his voice harden. “Why are you making a scene? No one is blaming you.” “Oh, is that it? Is that the greatest mercy you can show me?” I dropped the suitcase and faced him, a cold sneer on my lips. “Sean, what right do either of you have to blame me?” He struggled to control his temper, trying to reason with me. “I already told you I was sending her home. Why did you have to provoke her?” “Provoke her? What did I do? I didn’t accept her friend request. I may not have any say over who you choose to sleep with, but I damn well have the right to control my own friend list!” His face darkened, his voice laced with a rare anger. “Rebecca Pierce! Must you always be so cruel with your words? I told you, she is my sister!” “Yes, she’s a bit dependent on me. But that’s because when she was a teenager, she found out she was adopted. It made her unstable. She became sensitive, attempted suicide several times, and was diagnosed with severe depression. I was the one who took care of her, who sent her abroad to study and get treatment.” “She can’t handle being provoked. I’m begging you! Can you not show her just a little bit of compassion? A little understanding?” I stared at the man before me, this stranger consumed by rage. A bleak emptiness settled in my heart. In three years of marriage, he had never been this angry with me. Not even during the days when I deliberately tried to make him jealous, not even then had he ever raised his voice to me. The words caught in my throat. I couldn’t speak. I fought to control the trembling that wracked my body. “You’re right. I’m cruel. I’m vicious. So please, Sean, go. Go and live happily ever after with your innocent, fragile, pitiful little sister!” He took a deep, ragged breath, as if he had reached his breaking point. His voice was like ice. “You don’t have to pack. I’ll take her and leave. We can talk when you’ve had a chance to calm down.” I locked myself in the room. I heard the sounds of him packing, and then, the cold, final click of the front door closing. I learned that when your heart truly breaks, you can’t even cry. Sean and I were separated. I didn’t know where he went, and I didn’t care. His cousin, however, sent me a few screenshots of Lily’s social media posts. “Who has a brother that still tells them they can’t go to bars at twenty-four? Teehee, not listening.” Attached was a screenshot of her texts with Sean. “Today’s special: my personal chef of a brother. Another day of being fed by the best~” The selfie showed Sean in the background, trying to spoon-feed her, his expression one of pure indulgence. “Can confirm, men’s dress shirts are incredibly comfortable to wear.” A selfie of her curled up on a sofa, intentionally framing Sean working in the background. The old me would have hunted them down and slapped them both across the face. But now, I felt nothing but a hollow sense of amusement. Just as a text from my brother arrived with an update on the divorce proceedings, my assistant placed a cup of coffee on my desk. I had to admit, Cole was an excellent assistant. In just two short weeks, he had learned all my preferences, anticipating my needs before I even voiced them. He perched on the edge of my desk, a brilliant smile playing on his lips. “Good news calls for a drink.” I raised an eyebrow and hooked a finger in his tie. Cole’s eyes darkened a fraction. “But I’m not in the mood for a drink today.” I took him to my private villa instead.

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